A doctor who is vying to become a Norfolk MP has said the NHS is in the "worst state" it has been in for two decades.

Dr Pallavi Devulapalli, the Green Party candidate for South West Norfolk, has urged the next government to make fixing problems within the health service a main priority, which is at a crisis point due to huge waiting lists.

She says challenges getting treatment and a lack of NHS dentists are among the biggest concerns for voters in the constituency - a seat that has been held by former PM Liz Truss for 14 years.

Dr Devulapalli at a preschool in Marham celebrating a successful fundraising campaign for a new wildlife gardenDr Devulapalli at a preschool in Marham celebrating a successful fundraising campaign for a new wildlife garden (Image: Pallavi Devulapalli)

"I have worked in the NHS for more than 25 years and when I first started in 1999, things were pretty dire," she said.

"There were huge improvements but now we have gone back to a situation that is much worse, with people waiting months or years for routine treatment - it's inconsolable for people.

"It means people are not able to work due to being in pain waiting for a hip operation. Having an active and healthy population is essential for the economy."

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Dr Pallavi Devulapalli is the Green Party spokeswoman for health Dr Pallavi Devulapalli is the Green Party spokeswoman for health (Image: Archant)

The Green Party's spokeswoman for health who works as a GP at The Hollies Surgery in Downham Market says there is a desire for a local candidate who will work for the people amid a tide of frustration with Liz Truss.

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"People realise the effect her brief time in power has had on their personal finances. They are really struggling, with bills unpayable. They are still reeling from that."

Dr Devulapalli, who promises to campaign for issues affecting the local community, also thinks a lack of public transport is holding the constituency back.

"For every £1 invested in public transport, it generates £4.50 into the economy," said the West Norfolk district councillor.

"We need to better connect our towns and villages. It is a big issue that is holding people back. It would be simple to fix but it needs the political will to do so."