Patients in parts of Suffolk face England's longest journeys to get to GP
Babergh and Mid Suffolk are among a list of areas with the longest distances between patients and doctors surgeries
New research has found two areas of Suffolk are among areas in England where patients face the longest journeys to get to a GP.
The average distance to a doctors surgery in Mid Suffolk is around 2.3 miles, with the distance in Babergh around 2 miles.
A study from Guardian Carers, based on data from the Office for National Statistics, also shows patients in neighbouring Norfolk also face longer trips to seek treatment.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Guardian Carers said: “Many of these rural areas distance to a GP is inflated with the lack of infrastructure compared to more built-up areas.
"This is especially true if these same areas have limited to no public transport, and in addition, the fluctuating price of fuel in recent years.
"A small check-up can be the difference between a quick and instant treatment to a longer-term health concern.
"The distance needed to travel to a GP may play an important part in whether people make an appointment however as the winter draws in, spikes in colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are common and it is expected that the pressure on GP services may increase."