A dad was left battling a crippling urine infection for two months after his GP failed to respond to his messages.

Duarte Sousa heard nothing from The College Practice in Maidstone for eight weeks despite numerous calls, emails and consultation forms sent to his doctor.

The 44-year-old from Grecian Street first began noticing symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) at the beginning of December and says it has affected his relationship with his wife.

He said: "I've had a urine infection for over two months now.

"At first I tried to book an appointment on The College Practice's online eConsult forms but I just never heard back from them.

"So then I started trying to call them but I could never get through to a person.

"But then two weeks ago, whilst I was still trying to get an appointment online, my wife went to the GP with our little baby and tried to book me an appointment in person.

"However, they told her that they can't book it there because it wasn't urgent."

Not knowing what else to do Duarte called 111 as a last resort. However, he was told there was nothing they could prescribe and referred him back to his GP for treatment.

The construction worker added: "I was just going round in circles.

"Again and again I tried to get through to the GP but get no answer.

"I filled in the online forms so many times to try and get a consultation but I got nowhere."

Duarte, who's been with The College Practice for the last 15 years, explained that at the end of its online consultation form it says the GP will call you within 48 hours.

But he failed to receive that call.

And it was only after KentOnline contacted the Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group for comment that Duarte received word from the surgery the morning after.

Duarte said: "I've had this urine infection for over two months and I couldn't get to the doctors because of their system.

"The pharmacy couldn't help either as they can't give antibiotics without a prescription.

"I was worried about how long it was taking as leaving a urine infection can cause more problems internally, it can affect your pancreas, your kidneys, anything like that."

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.

One of the symptoms of the infections includes pain or a burning sensation when peeing.

According to the NHS, other tell-tale symptoms include needing to pee more often than usual during the night, pee that looks cloudy, dark or has a strong smell, blood in your pee, and lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs

If left untreated the infection from a UTI can move throughout the body and cause more serious complications.

In some instances it can swiftly turn into a kidney infection which can become life threatening if urgent medical care is not sought.

Duarte said: "I knew this is a urine infection because I had one many years ago.

"It's painful when I go to the toilet and it's affecting my relationship with my wife.

"It wasn't that hard to treat, I just needed to see a doctor quickly so they could give me a prescription for antibiotics."

Duarte has since been called by his GP, given antibiotics and asked to give a urine sample.

A spokesman for The College Practice said: “We are sorry to hear about this patient’s recent experience.

"A GP has since spoken to the patient and offered treatment and guidance.

“Our practice, like many across the country, is facing high demand on our services and we are working hard to provide the best possible care to all our patients.”