Newington is set to get its first-ever doctor’s surgery.

Dr Amechi Adigwe, a GP at Lakeside surgery in Kemsley, wants to open another practice in what used to be High Street hairdressers Shumi by the end of the year.

He is working with his wife, Ada, who is also a doctor, and they have submitted plans to Swale council for the change of use.

The 44-year-old said: “I’ve been in the area since 2007, when I worked at Minster Medical Centre, and have been a GP for 11 years, a qualified doctor for 17.

“This will really help as there is great demand because of difficulty accessing services as there is no surgery in Newington.

“The elderly population often cannot commute to the nearest ones in Rainham, Sittingbourne or Iwade.”

He said his wife is currently working part-time at the Lakeside surgery but is looking to become a full-time GP.

“Between the two of us we’ll run the two and hopefully employ other GPs – I’m very excited about the idea,” he added.

He is now waiting on Swale Clinical Commissioning Group, the organisation responsible for healthcare in Sittingbourne and Sheppey, to give the green light for the surgery, which would operate as a branch of the Lakeside practice.

He doesn’t yet know how many patients it would cater for but he plans to offer regular physiotherapy services, phlebotomy and chronic disease clinics as well as appointments with doctors.

Both MP Gordon Henderson and Kent county councillor for Newington, Mike Whiting (Con), have been campaigning on his behalf.

Cllr Whiting said: “Residents have told me how much they would value a surgery in the village, particularly those who rely on public transport or have to use taxis to see their GPs."

“We all know how tough it is to get an appointment to see a GP these days and I was delighted when Dr Adigwe explained his plans to me to open a new facility in Newington.”

Jackie Dyson, who has lived in the village since 1958, said: “We’ve never had one in Newington but people have wanted one.

“Newington is growing fast and if there’s one thing we need, it’s a doctor’s surgery.

“It’s wonderful news.”