More than 100 patients in the Sittingbourne area have reportedly been left “scrounging” for a GP.

It follows the announcement Dr Sunil Mahtha is to retire from his London Road surgery.

The majority of his 1,800-strong register have been accepted at two other practices, but about 150 others have been told by the health authority to look elsewhere because they fall outside the surgeries common boundary.

Dr Hank Beerstecher, who runs a surgery in Canterbury Road, said he became aware of the problem when misplaced patients started making desperate calls to sign-up with him.

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever come across patients being thrown-off a register because the practice area’s been changed.

“We’ve had people calling from Murston, Iwade and Stockbury in some distress because they can’t find a surgery.

“It should be the health authority’s job to find them a practice - patients shouldn’t be left scrounging around to find somewhere else.”

In a letter sent by NHS Kent and Medway to those registered with Dr Mahtha, it’s stated his practice will close on April 30.

It said it’s liaised with two local surgeries in London Road and Saffron Way which have agreed to accept his patients.

Those who fall outside the area are advised to visit the NHS Choices website in order to find another practice.

Dr Beerstecher, 52, said this is easier said than done, as many GPs already have their hands full.

He said: “Surgeries such as the Memorial Medical Centre in Bell Road are full and the one in East Street is closed.

“I can’t take any of Dr Mahtha’s patients at the moment because they’re still officially assigned to him.

“In the meantime they’ve been left to their own devices to find themselves a new doctor, which must be very worrying.”

A spokesman for NHS England said it was actively helping patients find an alternative surgery. She said: “These patients were given advice on how to find a new GP practice, including the NHS Choices website address and a telephone helpline number for them to call.

“All patients that have used this helpline so far have been allocated a GP of their choice and we will continue to help those affected to find a new practice.”

The spokesman said the health authority held a drop-in session earlier this month for all patients to discuss issues arising from Dr Mahtha’s retirement.