Statement regarding Old School Surgery Expansion

Dear Patients,

We would like to take this opportunity to reassure our patients and local community regarding our plans to expand Old School Surgery into the Jockey Lane premises (previously Belle Vue School). This is an important step to give our patients the extra space and facilities needed to provide the best possible care.

When The Crane Surgery closed in April 2024, we worked closely with the ICB and our patients to make sure most of Dr Hindmarsh’s patients could continue receiving care with us. This was the right thing to do for our community, but it has put our current building under real pressure because of limited space. Our original plan was to move into The Crane site, but despite 18 months of effort, legal challenges meant this was not possible.

That’s why we have taken the bold decision to secure the Jockey Lane site. This has been done at significant cost and risk to our partnership, because we believe it is essential to protect the future of primary care in Cranbrook and to give our patients the space they deserve with better access and more appointments that we know they need.

We have been keeping our community informed throughout this process:

• July 2025 – Update to Weald PCN Clinical Director, Dr Justin Charlesworth
• July 2025 – Update on our website
• August 2025 – Parish Council update
• August 2025 – Discussion with our Patient Participation Group
• October 2025 – Article in the Autumn Parish Cake
• November 2025 – Update at the Joint Management Board for all GP practices in the Weald PCN
• Ongoing – Patient surveys and regular updates

Our application is now going through the proper governance process with the ICB. We remain committed to working with our patients, our community, and other practices to make sure Cranbrook has strong, sustainable primary care for the future.

We are aware of a recent communication from Orchard End Surgery sent to local residents and patients and posted on local social media sites. While we respect different views and can understand concerns about the future, we want to reassure everyone that our plans are not intended to harm any other practice. All financial risk has been taken on by the partnership of Old School Surgery alone, and our goal is simply to create more space so we can offer more appointments and better services for our patients. We welcome open discussion and partnership with anyone who shares our vision of improving healthcare in Cranbrook.

Thank you for your continued support. We will keep you updated as things progress.

If you would like to contact us, you can:

• Use the contact form on our website: www.oldschoolsurgerycranbrook.nhs.uk
• Email Amy, our Practice Manager: kmicb.practicemanager.oldschoolsurgery@nhs.net
• Write to us at: Old School Surgery, Rectory Fields, Cranbrook, TN17 3JB (marked for the attention of Practice Manager)

Warm regards,

Dr Aniket Nadgir & Dr Karthika Shanmuganathan

Published: Nov 28, 2025