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Dear patient,
We are writing to let you know about a proposed change to where GP services will be provided
in the future, and to invite your feedback to help shape these plans.
You are receiving this letter because you are registered with Downlands Medical Centre or Vita
Healthcare Manor Park Surgery.
Wealden District Council is progressing plans for a new, purpose-built Polegate & Willingdon
Medical Centre on Eastbourne Road which it plans to be ready by early 2028. You can read
more about the project here: Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre | Let’s Talk Wealden
What is being proposed?
Subject to the necessary approvals, Downlands Medical Centre and Vita Healthcare Manor
Park Surgery propose to move into the new building on Eastbourne Road.
This would mean that both practices’ current sites would close and, instead of attending
appointments at the existing premises, patients would access services from the new medical
centre.
Although we would be sharing a new building, we would continue to operate as two separate
GP practices.
What this means for you
If this proposal goes ahead:
• You can continue to contact the practices in the usual ways, including using the same
telephone number.
• You do not need to take any action, and you do not need to re-register as a patient.
• There will be no break in access to care during the move.
• Existing practice staff will transfer, so you are likely to see the same clinical and
administrative team members you are used to dealing with.
Why we believe this is a positive opportunity
A purpose-built medical centre will provide a modern environment designed around patient
care. It is an opportunity to improve accessibility and facilities, and to support the future
delivery of local NHS services.
Bringing both practices into one new building also creates a real opportunity for collaborative
working, while still preserving each practice’s identity and the relationships you already have
with your usual team.
Your feedback
We recognise that a change of location may be a concern for some patients. We want to
understand what matters most to you and what we can do to make any transition as smooth
as possible.
We would be grateful if you could share your views by completing our short patient survey
here: Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre | NHS Sussex. The survey will be open until
Friday 24th April.
Paper copies of this survey are available from the practice if you are unable to complete this
online.
Keeping you updated
We will provide regular updates as plans progress, including via phone messages, the practice
websites, and information displayed in the practices.
Kind regards,
Downlands Medical Centre & Vita Healthcare Manor Park Surgery & NHS Sussex
Integrated Care Board (ICB)