Response to Minster Medical Group consultation
Published
Monday 8 June, 2026
Updated
Monday 8 June, 2026
Swale Borough Council has responded to the Minster Medical Group’s consultation on their intention not to return to the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre.
The leader of the council, Cllr Tim Gibson, and the chair of the housing health and communities committee, Cllr Hannah Perkin, have expressed significant concerns around the proposed closure of the GP surgery.
The council is building a brand new accessible, expanded and modern GP facility as part of the £20 million government funded Sheerness Revival project.
The centre, which will be reopening later this year, will also have a new gym facility, adventure play area, new café which also serves the refurbished paddling pool, and a purpose-built space for local charity Sheppey Matters.
Cllr Tim Gibson, leader of Swale Borough Council, said:
“I have reiterated the sizeable health and community benefits of returning to their new, modern, accessible, and state of the art facility, being built as part of our Sheerness Revival project.
“The surgery was a key part of our bid to the government for funding, and they have been involved throughout the project. This included providing valuable input into the specifications for their new purpose-built practice.
“Furthermore, we have improved accessibility by moving the surgery to the ground floor, increasing its size allowing for an additional consultation room and space for enhanced provision such as minor surgeries, improved ventilation, and a separate entrance.
“The Sheerness site benefits from multiple regular bus services and a direct rail connection, making it accessible for patients across the Isle of Sheppey and beyond.
“In a letter of support, the surgery said: ‘this would be a transformational opportunity for our practice and patients, with innumerable positive health and equality outcomes’. We are firmly of the belief that this is still the case.
“Health services in Sheerness, and across the wider Island, are a huge concern for local people. We are committed to continuing to work with the integrated care board to make sure residents in Sheerness can continue accessing high quality healthcare.”
Cllr Hannah Perkin, chair of the council’s housing, health and communities committee, said:
“We have put a lot of time, effort and funding into the important health element of our Sheerness Revival project to improve access to essential health services and address entrenched inequalities experienced on the Isle of Sheppey.
“Residents face significant barriers in accessing care, with Swale having one of the highest patient-to-GP ratios in the country, making the retention of this accessible infrastructure even more critical.
“Life expectancy in Swale remains below the regional and national averages, reflecting long-standing health inequalities, and the GP practice has a significant proportion of patients that have elevated need.
“The Sheppey Healthy Living Centre serves a large, high-need population with significant health inequalities and access challenges and its removal would risk worsening outcomes and disproportionately impact the most vulnerable residents within Swale.”
Patients of the Minster Medical Centre have until 10 June to respond. Visit https://www.sheppeyhealthylivingcentre.co.uk/notification--proposed-permanent-closure-of-sheppey-healthy-living-centre-shlc-site to find out how.
