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£3.4m investment at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital is bringing the Frank Lloyd Unit back into frontline use, delivering new GP facilities to boost primary care capacity in one of Kent and Medway’s highest‑pressure areas.
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Powered by NHS capital and Section 106 funding, the scheme unlocks room for The Chestnuts Surgery to expand services and drives forward the region’s strategy to better align estate with patient demand.
The scheme is being delivered by NHS Kent and Medway in partnership with NHS Property Services, which owns and manages the Frank Lloyd Unit, and forms part of a wider estates strategy across Swale to ensure NHS assets are used efficiently and aligned with population need. Planning permission for the change of use was granted by Swale Borough Council in December 2025.
The project will convert the ground floor of the building into modern, fit‑for‑purpose GP accommodation, while Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust will retain occupation of the first floor for community mental health services. The co‑location enables integrated service delivery while maximising use of the existing hospital estate.
Alongside the internal refurbishment, on‑site parking and access arrangements are being reviewed, including opportunities to support sustainable travel to and from the site.
Funding for the scheme combines NHS capital investment with Section 106 healthcare contributions secured from local developments, highlighting the role of planning gain in supporting healthcare infrastructure. The project supports the Kent and Medway Primary Care Strategy, which identifies Swale as an area of significant need for additional GP capacity.
Once complete, the Chestnuts Surgery will relocate from its existing premises on East Street, enabling service expansion within a modern, accessible environment.
What other partners are saying
Dr Ash Peshen, Deputy Medical Director of Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board said,“We are delighted the project is moving forward. This is an important step in improving access to modern, high quality primary care services for the people of Sittingbourne, which is identified as a priority area for Kent and Medway. By creating a fit-for-purpose facility on the Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital site, we are making sure patients can benefit from a more sustainable, resilient GP surgery equipped to meet local demand now and in the future.”
Adrian Young, Practice Manager at The Chestnuts Surgery said,“This move offers an opportunity to expand our team and make more services available to patients in the Sittingbourne area. We look forward to providing more and better services in fit-for-purpose facilities, including disabled access."
