Thousands of patients could face a search for a new GP as another Margate surgery faces closure.

More than 3,800 patients at Garlinge surgery have been warned they may need to register with a new GP practice in the future.

NHS England sent out a letter warning of the possible closure, after the GP based at the surgery, Dr Manohar Sohanpal, announced his retirement.

Healthcare campaigner and councillor for Margate Central Ward Iris Johnston: “Garlinge surgery has an excellent reputation and this news has come as a huge shock to friends who are patients there.

“I know the difficulties patients had in my Margate Central Ward when Dr Rahman decided to retire and all of his patients had to find a new GP.

“I hope NHS England has learnt from the poor handling of some of their assistance then and ensure this is better managed.

“There has been a spate of surgeries closing across Thanet and it seems to me many existing practices are hard pressed with long waits for appointments unless you queue on the day or go to A&E.”

NHS England South spokesman Sarah Whitehead said: “Our priority is to ensure all affected patients have ongoing access to local GP services following the decision by Dr Sohanpal to give notice on his contract to provide services at Garlinge Surgery in Margate.

“We have written to patients to reassure them that we are working to secure alternative arrangements for their care and will work with NHS Thanet Clinical Commissioning Group to identify the available options.

“Patients do not need to take any action at this point and can continue to receive their care from the surgery in the usual way in the meantime.

“We will update patients as soon as we are in a position to confirm new care arrangements for them”.

"It is possible that we may need to ask you to register with a new GP practice in the future..." NHS England letter

The letter from NHS England sent out at the surgery informed patients of planned changes at Garlinge surgery.

It read: “Dr Sohanpal has made the decision to terminate his contract with NHS England with effect from June 30, 2016.

“Our priority is to guarantee that you have continued access to a full range of GP services and care after the 30 June 2016 and we are now working hard to identify the best possible options.

“However, it is possible that we may need to ask you to register with a new GP practice in the future, in order to guarantee your ongoing access to care.

“If this were to happen, you will be given plenty of notice and support to re-register at an alternative practice near you.”

Four surgeries across Thanet closed in 2015.