A DOCTOR shortage crisis has turned routine healthcare into a nightmare, according to a Kirby resident.
The number of permanent doctors staffing GP surgeries in Frinton and Walton has dropped to an all-time low due to problems recruiting new doctors to the area.
Valerie Brunt, of Southcroft Close in Kirby Cross, lost her local surgery in Kirby last year when a lack of staff forced it to close its doors.
She suffers from persistent problems with arthritis but has struggled to see a doctor.
Her next closest surgery is Caradoc in Frinton, which is down to one permanent doctor for more than 8,000 residents, making appointments hard to come by.
Valerie said: “If I need an appointment now I would have to go over to Walton.
“I’ve had to start trying to sort myself out because I just cannot easily see a doctor, but that is not an option for some people. It has become a nightmare.”
NHS England has previously said it is aware of the problem and is working to improve the situation for patients.
A spokesman said NHS England is working to develop a long-term plan to attract more GPs to the area.
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