A GP surgery which has been in a town for more than 10 years has announced its closure.

The Crane Surgery in Rectory Fields, Cranbrook, has shut permanently following a doctor’s retirement.

Run by Dr David Hindmarsh, the service was registered in 2014 and had been rated Good in the latest CQC report in 2017 when it had 1,934 patients on its books.

In November 2022, there were proposals for the site to merge with Old School Surgery next door.

It was set to come into effect from April the following year.

However, following a consultation with patients, it was announced in March that this would not happen.

“We’ve now considered all views and, following discussions between the practices, have decided that a merger is not appropriate at this time,” Old School Surgery said in an online newsletter.

“Our practice, like all across Kent and Medway, is working harder than ever before to support patients in the best possible way and we will continue to offer a full range of services.”

A statement regarding the future of the surgery has since been put up on the website.

It said: “Dr Hindmarsh would like to take this opportunity to thank our patients for all their messages of support and good wishes, and all the cards and gifts that have been sent to him and the rest of the staff in recent days.

“He has been very touched by all the goodwill.

“Following the announcement of Dr Hindmarsh’s retirement, The Crane Surgery will close on March 31.

“Old School Surgery, located next door, is welcoming new registrations to support continued care for the patients of The Crane Surgery.”

KentOnline previously published figures revealing that Kent has the worst GP-to-patient ratio in Britain.

There are just 38 family doctors per 100,000 people compared to a national average of 60.

Click here to read the full report.

Several residents expressed their sadness about the closure and posted well-wishes on social media.

Claire Swan said: “Cannot fault The Crane Surgery at all absolutely amazing team and the care they gave me was one in a million.

‘...absolutely amazing team and the care they gave me was one in a million.’

“Going to miss them all so much. Good luck to you all.”

Sarah Jane Evans added: “Always had great service from all since my daughter and I moved here almost 10 years ago.

“Best wishes to all the staff and medical practitioners who have been epic.”

Due to the closure, Old School Surgery is working with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to open an additional branch in the area.

It is not yet known when this will happen.