NHS Sussex has confirmed a new provider has been appointed to take over GP services for thousands of patients in Hailsham.
Manor Park Surgery in Polegate, part of Vita Healthcare, has been named as the new provider for patients currently registered with Hailsham Medical Group (HMG), which operates Seaforth Surgery and Vicarage Field surgeries in the town.
The decision follows action taken by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) last year and a subsequent review by NHS Sussex to secure a stable and sustainable future for primary care services in Hailsham.
An unannounced CQC inspection in August 2025 identified concerns relating to safe care and treatment, governance and staffing. Following a further inspection in November, the regulator issued a notice of proposal to terminate HMG’s registration. The practice has submitted an appeal, which remains under consideration.
In response to the ongoing situation, NHS Sussex launched a rapid expressions of interest (EOI) process on 16 January, inviting GP providers within an eight-mile radius of Hailsham to apply to take on the patient list.
Six bids were received from local practices.
A panel met earlier this month (5 February) to review the applications. The panel included an NHS Sussex Clinical Director, who is a practising GP in Sussex, NHS Sussex’s Director of Quality, Patient Safety and Experience, and a representative from the Surrey and Sussex Local Medical Committee.
Following that process, Manor Park Surgery was selected as the new provider.
NHS Sussex said it will now work with both Hailsham Medical Group and Manor Park Surgery to ensure patients are safely transferred to the new provider by 31 March.
Patients will not need to re-register or take any action. NHS Sussex has stressed that services will continue without interruption, with patients still able to attend appointments in Hailsham at Seaforth Surgery and Vicarage Field surgeries, and contact the practice in the same way as they do currently.
As part of the transfer process, the new provider will continue to operate from one or more of the existing HMG premises and maintain the current catchment area. Discussions will also take place to determine whether TUPE arrangements apply to existing staff.
NHS Sussex said the move will provide unbroken access to primary care with little or no changes for patients, while bringing in new leadership to support practice staff and secure the long-term future of GP services in the town.
Once the transfer is complete, NHS Sussex will continue to hold weekly multi-disciplinary meetings to monitor progress and provide oversight.
An NHS Sussex spokesperson said supporting patients and staff remains the organisation’s main priority and that it will continue working with partners, alongside NHS England, to ensure residents have access to safe, high-quality care.
