BOROUGH MP Jen Craft recently hosted a meeting of local GPs, healthcare leaders, and housing developers to discuss tackling longstanding GP shortages in the area.

The event in Grays saw more than 20 local GPs join conversations with developers who are members of the Thurrock Residential Development Partnership about delivering new health facilities in Thurrock.

When building new housing, developers are obligated to provide a sum of funding for local infrastructure under Section 106 agreements.

During the event discussion took place between developers and GPs about the challenges they face, to ensure Section 106 funding from upcoming developments can be used to meet local health needs.

Discussions focused on how developers can ensure new housing is supported by the right health infrastructure, as well as the potential to use funding to both upgrade the existing NHS estate in Thurrock and build new healthcare facilities to deliver services in local communities.

The population of Thurrock is set to grow by 20% over the coming decade, matched by the need for new housing, yet the area currently experiences some of the most acute GP shortages in the country.

Along with Tom Abell, CEO of Mid and South Essex ICB, and Cllr Mark Hooper, Cabinet Member for Health, Mrs Craft heard from GPs about how more doctors can be attracted into Thurrock through developing new facilities.

Mrs Craft said: "This event, which follows the government's £889 million investment into improving GP access across the country, with an extra 1,500 GPs working on the frontline and includings 20 new GPs training in Thurrock, was an important first step in understanding how local GPs, the ICB, developers, and Thurrock Council can work collaboratively to tackle GP shortages in our area.

"Through direct engagement between new developers in Thurrock and existing GP practices, we have a real opportunity to deliver the health facilities that local communities need.

"I'm determined to explore every possible option to improve GP access in Thurrock, to reverse the trends that have left our area under doctored, our GPs overstretched, and residents unable to get an appointment."

Cllr Hooper added: "It was good to hear about the challenges GPs face and how we can encourage new doctors to Thurrock by building more facilities.

"This could be the start of some partnership working between the ICB, developers and Thurrock Council."