A surgery with 5,000 patients in a town's most deprived area has announced it is closing.

Folkestone East Family Practice, in Dover Road, Folkestone, has sent letters out to its patients and reportedly told its staff today.

It will officially shut the surgery on Wednesday, November 1.

The letter said: "The GP partners at the practice have informed NHS South Kent Coast CCG that they will not have capacity to provide GP services at Folkestone East Family Practice.

"Our priority is to guarantee that you can continue to access a full range of GP services after this date and we are working to identify options to ensure your ongoing care.

"The practice will support the CCG during the transition process."

The letter warns that patients may need to register with another doctor before the closure to "guarantee" the "continued care."

The practice added: "Patients will be given notice and support if this is the case."

People are invited to give the surgery feedback about the future care and the deadline for this is Friday, June 23.

Practice manager Christopher Lewis did not wish to comment.

For more information, people can email skcccg.primarycare@nhs.net or phone 03000 424700.