Nearly 2,000 patients have been told they have until March 31 to find a new GP.

Health chiefs have written to the patients from Rochester Healthy Living Centre a year after the suspension of Dr Nihil Elapatha.

NHS England says they must register elsewhere before the end of next month when the temporary contract held by a caretaker doctor comes to an end.

Eight alternative surgeries have been suggested including two in Chatham and the two nearest at City Way and the Thorndike Centre in Rochester.

The decision to close Dr Elapatha surgery has angered some patients including Diana and Francesco Vinci.

Mrs Vinci, 60, of Carlton Close, Rochester, said: “No consideration has been give to patients, many of whom are elderly and will find it difficult to get to another practice.

“Both myself and my husband have mobility problems and we would struggle to get anywhere else.”

Cllr Teresa Murray, who is Medway Labour’s health spokeswoman, has fought on behalf of the patients, many of whom live in her ward.

Cllr Murray said: “The whole system needs to be reappraised. Young doctors coming into the profession prefer to be salaried, preferring not to take on administrative management roles. It is very sad, particularly because it is in an area with a growing elderly population.

“It is with heavy heart that it is closing but unless the government changes they way health centres are run I fear it will happen again.”

Dr Elapatha was suspended and had his contract terminated after a hearing found that his professional performance was “unacceptable”.

Patients signed a petition in his support and some staged a demonstration outside the council offices at Gun Wharf, Chatham.

Deborah Tomalin, NHS head of commissioning, said: “ We have reviewed all options and taken into account feedback from patients and other stakeholders.

“As a result, we have taken the difficult decision that it is not feasible for another provider to deliver care to patients at the healthy living centre and we need to ask you to register with an alternative local practice.”

A statement from NHS England added: “The purpose of commissioning the current temporary contract was to ensure the immediate and safe continuity of care for patients receiving services under the General Medical Services contract while viable options could be explored to support care for patients in the longer term.”

Three drop-in sessions are being held for patients at the centre on Thursday, February 18 from 10am to 3pm; Tuesday, February 23, 3pm to 7pm and Thursday March 3, 2pm to 6pm. Please bring a form of ID.