Doctors surgeries which are struggling to cope with the mounting pressure of patient numbers have applied to close their books.
Since March at least two of the four main surgeries in Braintree have applied to NHS Mid Essex saying they cannot take more patients.
Mount Chambers Surgery in Coggeshall Road applied in March due to lack of space and its register is currently closed to new patients, other than those who have immediate family going there.
Blandford Medical Centre in Mace Avenue unsuccessfully applied due to the pressure on its waiting list, added to by the closure of the Mount Chambers list.
Mount Chambers was given a grant to allow some building work to begin last week meaning its register will reopen soon.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here