Here are five of the areas in the county most in need of additional surgeries, according to population statistics and the capacity of existing medical practices.

Medical centres in Gorleston are juggling thousands of patients (Image: Newsquest)

The Beaches Medical Centre in Gorleston-on-Sea has an incredibly high rate of 4,000 patients per GP.

It serves one of the most deprived areas in the country.

There is no publicly documented plan for a new GP surgery in the local area.

Dereham Market Place (Image: Ian Burt)

Facing a similar fate, Dereham absorbed approximately 4,000 patients from the Toftwood Medical Centre, which closed in March 2025.

The two remaining practices, Orchard Surgery and Theatre Royal Surgery, were already looking after 20,000-plus patients before the closure.

Long Stratton is preparing for a population boom (Image: Mike Page)

Long Stratton, a rapidly growing town with permission for more than 1,800 new homes, has a recognised need for more GPs.

The current practice, Long Stratton Medical Partnership, has no published capacity to accommodate the expected 40 to 50pc population increase.

King's Lynn is in need of a new GP surgery with plans for up to 4,000 new homes under way (Image: Newsquest)

King's Lynn, especially the West Winch growth corridor, is set for 4,000 new homes but faces a confirmed lack of GP floorspace, with limited capacity to meet the needs of the expected population surge.

The NHS response to the local plan acknowledges that there is currently limited capacity at the local GP practice to absorb the population growth.

North Norfolk is in need of a new GP surgery due to its ageing population (Image: Denise Bradley)

With the oldest average population in England, the North Norfolk coast faces severe difficulties recruiting more GPs.

Fakenham Medical Practice already serves about 15,000 patients, which is a vast list for a rural area.

The areas identified include some of the most deprived, with complex health needs, showcasing the urgent need for new surgeries.

© Norwich Evening News