Polyclinics will not replace GP surgeries in Faversham, health chiefs have promised town MP Hugh Robertson.

In June, staff at Faversham Health Centre collected a petition against Government plans to introduce large polyclinics which they feared could threaten the personal patient-doctor relationship.

But Mr Robertson has gained assurances from Ann Sutton, chief executive of the East Kent and Coastal Primary Care Trust that a polyclinic is planned for Sheppey and will not affect Faversham.

Mr Robertson said: “At a time of yet more organisational change in the NHS, it is obvious that many local people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable would be concerned about any dilution of medical services.

“I was, therefore, delighted with the chief executive’s response and thank her for giving us all the necessary assurances.”

In her letter, the chief executive explains that the Department of Health is giving extra funding for one new GP led health centre for each primary care trust and in Swale the health centre will be on Sheppey.

She wrote: “With regard to Faversham, we remain committed to the provision of GP services as they stand in that area and have no plans to replace these.”