Plans to close down a coastal surgery saw a GP become one of the most complained about in Norfolk, new figures have shown.

Holt Medical Practice successfully applied to local NHS bosses to close its branch in Blakeney - in a move which sparked a hard-fought campaign to try and save it.

But new figures have shown the decision also saw the practice become the most complained about GP group in the north of the county - and among the highest in the region.

Over the course of the 2023-24 financial year, Norfolk and Waveney's integrated care board received 555 contacts from concerned members of the public and MPs regarding GP surgeries.

Of these, 23 were received about Holt Medical Practice - the second highest number in Norfolk and Waveney. 

The only group with a greater number of enquiries was the Humbleyard Practice, which has 22,000 registered patients across its sites in Cringleford, Hethersett and Mulbarton, compared with Holt's 14,000. Bosses were contacted about its practices 32 times.

These figures include formal complaints, enquiries from MPs and informal expressions of concern.

Of the 23 enquiries about Holt Medical Practice, 14 were regarding the proposed closure of the Blakeney branch.

Elsewhere, complaints against other surgeries focused largely on difficulties accessing appointments and general dissatisfaction with treatment.

An NHS Norfolk and Waveney report states: "The largest proportion of contacts received were in relation to the care and treatment provided by a patient's GP practice.

"There was an overall theme of people being dissatisfied with the general care and treatment they had received."

Meanwhile, the surgery with the most contacts in each part of the region was as follows:

  • Norwich area: Old Catton (12 contacts)
  • South Norfolk area: Humbleyard Practice (32 contacts)
  • Great Yarmouth and Waveney area: Beccles (15 contacts)
  • North Norfolk area: Holt Medical Practice (23 contacts)
  • West Norfolk area: Vide Healthcare (20 contacts)