It’s taken six years but a health centre is finally in permanent accommodation.

The practice, which has been in temporary cabins since 2008, moved to Quartz Way in Sonora Fields, on Friday.

Its name has also been changed to The Meads Medical Practice.

Staff worked at the old site until noon on the day of the move and emergency care was then provided by Dr Graham Hissett at Iwade Health Centre.

Medway on Call Care (MedOCC) took patient calls via its 111 service until it reopened at 8am on Monday. There were a few hiccups along the way though.

Business manager Donna Clarke said: “The move went fine but we are currently experiencing some problems with our phones.

“Unfortunately, BT Openreach didn’t have enough lines in the local exchange box so it means we only have four coming in to the surgery at the moment which is a fraction of the usual amount.

“We are doing everything we can to chase this up and a note is on our website letting people know. We are also without a fax machine until this issue is resolved but emails can be sent to our reception on SWCCG.saffronreception@nhs.net”

Parking restrictions imposed around the site by Marshgate Developments led to the Sonora Fields Neighbourhood Watch group setting up a petition for residents and nearby businesses affected.

More than 40 people have signed it but it seems the issue has now been addressed.

Mrs Clarke said: “When we moved in Friday we noticed a sign has appeared outside saying our patients can use the Jenny Wren car park, which is a relief.”

The centre was developed by Dr Mark Pasola, who brought together the former branch at 9 London Road, Sittingbourne, and the surgery of the late Dr Claude Morrish at 31 London Road.

It provides a GP practice, delivering primary care services. There are 7,000 people living in the area, but that number is set to grow due to housing developments and there is capacity for additional patients.

An ambulance bay has been provided in front of shops opposite the site.

For more details visit the website www.saffronwayhealthcentre.co.uk