The deadline for Dover Medical Practice patients to submit their views on the surgery’s future has passed and a decision will be made within a month.

The health care provider for the practice, Concordia Health Limited addressed more than 3,000 patients with a letter explaining that its contract would end early.

The letter, constructed by head of primary care, Stephen Ingram said: “Concordia Health recently informed NHS England that they would not be able to continue providing care to patients at Dover Medical Practice for the duration of their contract and therefore requested that the contract be brought to an end.

“Having given careful consideration to this request, and in order to ensure sustainable arrangements for your future care, NHS England has agreed to Concordia Health’s request.”

The letter insisted that patients wouldn’t be left in the lurch and that they would still be able to access a full range of health care services.

It provided two options, one of which was to sign up to a different surgery or bring in an alternative GP service to replace Concordia.

The surgery’s patients were offered the chance to submit their preferred option – by letter or email – to the NHS to have their say on its future.

But since then, MP for Dover and Deal, Charlie Elphicke has met with the patient’s group and has put forward their views to the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and NHS England where he made the case for the surgery to be supported.

During the meeting, Mr Elphicke said he heard about the excellent service received by patients at the practice.

He said: “As medical provider Concordia has served notice to quit providing the practice, patients are fearful for the future.”