NHS Sussex has confirmed that GP services in Hailsham will continue to operate as normal while steps are taken to secure a stable, long-term future for primary care in the town, following recent action by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The update relates to Hailsham Medical Group (HMG), which operates Seaforth Surgery and Vicarage Field Surgery, was subject to an unannounced CQC inspection on 7 August 2025.
The regulator identified concerns relating to safe care and treatment, governance arrangements and staffing levels, leading to conditions being imposed on the practice’s registration.
In response, NHS Sussex said it moved quickly to support the practice and ensure patient safety. Premium Primary Care (PPC) was brought in to provide on-site, in-person guidance and advice to staff, particularly around clinical oversight. This additional support will remain in place until 31 March 2026.
Alongside this, NHS Sussex convened a multi-disciplinary oversight team, including clinical, pharmacy and safeguarding colleagues, to closely monitor progress at the practice. This team continues to meet on a weekly basis.
The CQC carried out a follow-up inspection on 11 November 2025. Following this visit, the regulator issued a notice of proposal to terminate Hailsham Medical Group’s registration. The practice has submitted an appeal against the proposal, which is currently being considered by the CQC.
However, NHS Sussex has now concluded that the best way to bring stability to GP services in Hailsham and to ensure patient safety in the longer term would be to appoint a new provider to deliver primary care services for the existing patient list.
The NHS is now seeking rapid expressions of interest from GP providers within an eight-mile radius of Hailsham. Any new provider would be required to continue offering services from one or more of the current HMG premises, maintain the existing catchment area, and work with HMG to establish whether TUPE arrangements would apply to existing staff.
NHS Sussex said this approach would allow services to continue without disruption, bring fresh leadership into the practice and provide a sustainable long-term future for primary care in the town.
Patients registered with Hailsham Medical Group are being reassured that all services remain open and accessible as usual while this process takes place. Patients can continue to contact the practice in the normal way and attend appointments at the same locations as before, with no action required at this time.
An NHS Sussex spokesperson said supporting both patients and staff remains the organisation’s main priority, adding that it will continue working with all partners, alongside NHS England, to ensure patients have access to safe, high-quality care.
The General Medical Council’s online register currently lists two doctors associated with the practice, Dr Steven Seng and Dr Nicolas Cereceda, as suspended. The GMC listings do not state whether these suspensions are connected to the CQC action.
Further updates will be shared with the public as soon as more information becomes available.
