Patients and politicians have condemned the decision to close a village GP surgery, stating it has sparked "worry and concern".

Highparks Medical Centre has confirmed that it will be shutting its Higham branch next year after the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) approved its application.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "We know this outcome will be disappointing for many people in the village, and we want to acknowledge the strength of feeling shared during the engagement period.

"The proposal was not an easy decision for us to make, but it means we can continue to provide services in the future.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to speak with us, attend sessions, or complete the survey.

"Please be assured that our focus is now on supporting all patients, particularly those in Higham, through this transition.

"We remain committed to providing safe, high-quality, and accessible care, and the enhanced measures we have already outlined will continue to be developed."

The surgery has confirmed that patients will continue to receive care at its remaining three sites in Cliffe Woods, Cliffe, and Wainscott, and home visits will continue for those who are housebound.

It will also try to support people from Higham by reducing the number of trips needed by booking multiple services in a single visit where possible, and provide guidance on ways to order repeat prescriptions.

The spokesperson added: "Your feedback has been vital in shaping the support we are putting in place, and we remain committed to working closely with the community throughout this transition.

"We understand that change can cause uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping you informed at every stage."

The practice in Hermitage Road is due to close in spring 2026, and more information about timelines and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks.

The ICB's decision to shut the branch has been met with disappointment from patients and the wider Higham community.

Charlotte Angell, who was spearheading a campaign against the closure, told KentOnline she thinks it will "spark worry and concern", especially with those who are more vulnerable.

She added: "What I am worried about and expect others will be too, is how they are going to manage the measures they have suggested and how that is going to be a viable option.

"We are trying to be the voice for those who do not have one, who are housebound and do not have family around here.

"Who is going to make sure a doctor sees them? They have been at the forefront of the campaign.

"Some people decided to retire to Higham and see out their lives here because it has everything they need to do it safely, and have now had that taken away."

Despite not achieving the outcome they wanted, Charlotte said the community will continue to fight for a GP surgery in the village.

She added: "If Highparks cannot stay in the village, that is fine, but allow us to have another provider. You cannot expect people to follow you to the next branch.

"I think it was amazing how we came together and formed a united front, and that still remains.

"We will continue to fight to keep healthcare in the village and use that building to offer that service.

"It goes to show when something like this happens, everyone places everything aside and focuses on driving forward."

Local politicians have also been critical of the proposals to close the surgery, and have now pledged to take it further.

Gravesham MP, Lauren Sullivan, said: "I condemn this decision. I believe this decision has not been taken on the grounds of serving the interests of patients.

"I will continue to work with Higham residents to seek to overturn this decision and find alternative NHS GP services for the residents of Higham and in Higham."

She confirmed she has written to the chairman and chief executive of the ICB following the announcement and will be making representations to the Secretary of State for Health on how the process has been handled.

Highparks Medical Practice announced it was planning to axe its Higham site in January, stating it was becoming "financially unsustainable" to run four locations.

The practice decided closing the Higham branch would have the least impact on patients following an independent assessment.