A CANCER patient has hit out at an appointment system which saw her diagnosis delayed by two weeks.

Patricia Bretton, of Little Oakley, did not get to see a doctor for more than 14 days after bringing a lump in her breast to the attention of a nurse at the Mayflower Medical Centre.

Patients wanting to see their GP at the centre speak on the phone and discuss whether a face-to-face appointment is necessary.

Tests later revealed Mrs Bretton, 68, had cancer and two weeks ago she underwent an operation to remove the lump.

“I am disgusted with them,” she said.

A spokesman for the Mayflower Medical Centre said: “This patient has made a formal complaint to the surgery, which is being looked into by the practice manager."