27/11/2025
Unfortunately, there was a delay in the scheduled announcement at the request of the ICB. This has caused some corruption of the file sent to patients. Patients should receive the correct version shortly.
The update is as follows:
27/11/2025
Subject: Higham Branch Site – Update Following ICB Decision
Dear Patients,
We would like to update you on the outcome of our application regarding the future of the Higham branch site and to thank you all for the feedback we received throughout the process.
NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) has completed a review of our application and confirmed the Higham branch site can close, providing the measures outlined below are in place.
We know this outcome will be disappointing for many people in the village, and we want to acknowledge the strength of feeling shared during the engagement period. The proposal was not an easy decision for us to make but means we can continue to provide services in the future.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to speak with us, attend sessions, or complete the survey.
Please be assured that our focus is now on supporting all patients, particularly those in Higham, through this transition.
We remain committed to providing safe, high-quality, and accessible care, and the enhanced measures we have already outlined will continue to be developed. These include:
• Continuity of Care: All patients registered at Higham will continue to receive care at our remaining three sites, including the main site in Cliffe Woods.
• Home Visits: We will continue to provide home visits to all registered patients who are housebound, in line with GMS contract requirements.
• Service Delivery: We will be trying to support patients from Higham by reducing the number of trips they need to make, for example by booking multiple services into a single visit where possible.
• Repeat Prescriptions: We will provide clear guidance on all available ways to order repeat prescriptions, making it easier for you to access your medications.
Pharmacy services in Higham remain unchanged as the pharmacy is a separate independent business, however, we will continue to work closely with the pharmacy to make sure that prescriptions are managed in a timely manner.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed their views. Your feedback has been vital in shaping the support we are putting in place, and we remain committed to working closely with the community throughout this transition.
We understand that change can cause uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping you informed at every stage. Over the coming weeks, we will share clear information about timelines and next steps.
We are working towards closing the branch in spring 2026 but we will keep you updated. We will continue to listen and respond to concerns as the process moves forward.
Highparks Medical Practice
