Doctors in Felixstowe say making changes to stroke care could put people in the resort and nearby villages at risk.

A regional review is taking place which aims to create several hyper-acute stroke units across East Anglia.

It could mean Ipswich Hospital missing out on becoming a centre of excellence, resulting in some stroke patients having to travel to Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge or Colchester Hospital for emergency treatment.

GPs at Felixstowe’s four surgeries – Howard House, Central Surgery, Haven Health and Walton Surgery – have written to the review authority on behalf of the surgeries and Patient Participation Groups objecting to the loss of any facilities at Ipswich.

The letter said: “This action would put lives of people in Felixstowe and surrounding areas at risk, living on the periphery of the area as we are and therefore increasing the travelling time.

“The unit at Ipswich is recognised for its high standard of work and must not be closed.”

The doctors, who represent 30,000 patients in the area, have also contacted Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey.

So far more than 5,000 people in the Felixstowe area have signed a petition, organised by Sylvia and Colin Arnold, against the changes.

The review, which began last July, by an Expert External Advisory Group is expected to suggest three options for Suffolk patients.