A campaign against the closure of Dover Medical Practice continued on Saturday with a protest.

Making their point loud and clear, demonstrators including patients, workers and councillors stood outside the practice on Maison Dieu Road with blue and red posters reading ‘Save Dover Medical Practice.’

Their efforts attracted walkers and joggers to stop and sign their petition and cars to toot their horns.

This action comes after care provider, Concordia Health Limited, announced the withdrawal of its contract via letter to patients six months ago.

And on Monday, all 3,000 patients belonging to the practice were told they must re-register at a different surgery before its closure on Friday, November 28.

Patient Susan Fox, who attended the protest outside the practice, said: “We don’t want it to close. We want it to stay in its present form with its present staff.”

Prior to Saturday’s action, patient Charlotte Starbuck, who has relied on this practice for years, set up a petition urging the Department of Health to reconsider the closure.

The petition reads: “Dover Medical Practice has more than 3000 patients, half of them are elderly patients.

“The sad part is almost all other GP surgeries in Dover are almost full.

“We can't afford the closure of this practice.”

Mrs Starbuck, of St Margaret’s, also made a paper petition which was left on a wall in the surgery for patients to sign.

She said: “I cannot fault them. They (medical staff) have cared for me for about 15 years. The doctors, nurses and other staff are friendly and helpful. We have had lots of support for the petition.

“I have ulcerative colitis, between me and my consultant they have got me on the correct medication so that’s another reason I don’t want to change.”

Labour’s parliamentary candidate, Clair Hawkins, who was in attendance, said: “Concordia can’t just walk away from this contract, seemingly giving no reason and receiving no penalty is terrible.

“At a time when there is a national shortage of GPs and many people are waiting longer for appointments, vulnerable patients have been left in the lurch with huge concerns about their continuity of care.”

Others in attendance included Deal and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, Dover Mayor Pam Brivio and Cllr Peter Wallace.

Pick up the Dover Mercury, out on Thursday, for the full story, with more pictures and exclusive comments.