People with limited internet access have been told to look online to find out how to get a paper copy of a survey which could determine the fate of Norwich's walk-in centre.

The bizarre instruction from health bosses has left patient watchdogs "flummoxed" amid an ongoing row over the centre's future.

NHS leaders are currently gathering public views on whether or not to close the centre in Rouen Road when its contract expires in March 2024.

But they have come in for criticism from Healthwatch Norfolk, which has alleged they are trying to engineer the closure.

Alex Stewart, its chief executive, penned a letter highlighting the organisation's concern to the Norfolk and Waveney integrated care board.

But he said he was left baffled when NHS Norfolk and Waveney's chief executive Tracey Bleakley suggested people who required a hard copy could find out where to collect it by looking online.

In the response, she wrote: "Paper copies are available at the walk-in centre and GP practice at Rouen Road.

"Printed copies are also available on request using the contact details provided on the webpage.

"The landing page was updated on February 3 to state that people can request printed copies using the contact details provided on the website."

Mr Stewart said: "While I welcome the fact efforts have been made to make the survey more accessible digitally, this should have been in place at the start of the consultation and not put in place after we had pointed it out.

“I am, however, flummoxed that people can find out where to pick up a paper copy by looking on a website which suggests a lack of understanding of the needs of people who either struggle to use the internet or just do not have it.”

A spokesperson for NHS Norfolk and Waveney said: "We are listening to feedback received and promoting the offline methods to contact us to request copies through printed adverts in the Norwich Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.

"Promotional information about the consultation including methods to request copies of any of the documents were circulated to parish councils, patient participation groups and GP practices to support organisations to share the information with patients and residents.

"In addition to printed copies, alternative formats and translations continue to be available upon request."

The consultation runs until March 26.