Important update from Highparks Medical Practice

The Parish Council have today received the folowing:

Highparks Medical Practice operates across four sites - Cliffe Woods, Cliffe, Higham, and Wainscott - providing a wide range of services and allowing patients to choose their preferred location for medical appointments where possible. However, maintaining and operating four sites is becoming financially unsustainable due to increasing costs. To ensure the practice’s long-term sustainability, we have made the difficult decision to close one branch.

An independent review of our sites assessed staff allocation, services offered, and overall finances. Based on the findings, we determined that closing the Hermitage Road site in Higham would have the least impact on our patients. This decision follows over 18 months of careful consideration and in-depth discussions. A formal application to close this branch is being prepared.

We understand this may raise concerns and are committed to engaging with patients and stakeholders throughout this process. To gather feedback, we are offering multiple ways to get involved:

• Patient Survey: Available online and as paper copies at all sites.

• Drop-in Sessions: Scheduled at convenient times, with details available on our website.

• Patient Participation Group (PPG): Supporting community outreach for additional feedback.

• FAQs: A page on our website addressing common questions, updated throughout the consultation period.

The engagement period runs from Monday, 27 January 2025, to Sunday, 6 April 2025. Following this, we will formally apply to NHS Kent and Medway to close the branch. Updates and decisions will be shared with patients and stakeholders as they become available.

We value your input and encourage all patients to share how this proposed closure may affect them. Thank you for your understanding as we work to secure a sustainable future for Highparks Medical Practice.