THE first of two public meetings takes place in Grays today (Wednesday, 27 July) as health chiefs contemplate the future of healthcare in the town.

Residents are being asked for their views on the potential options for the future location of GP services to support the proposed £9.7 million Grays Integrated Medical Centre planned to be sited on the Thurrock Community Hospital complex on Long Lane.

In addition the existing Stifford Clays health centre will be expanmded and modernised.

Local people are invited to share their thoughts on these proposals until 2 September, by completing an online survey or by attending a face-to-face drop-in session, the first of which is from 4pm – 7pm at The Community House, Seabrooke Rise, New Road, today.

Tiffany Hemming, Interim Executive Director of Oversight, Assurance and Delivery for Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board said: "We are working with our GPs and wider health and care teams to ensure we provide the best possible service for the people of Thurrock.

"The Integrated Medical and Wellbeing Centres will have a primary care (GP led) element attached to them and we can see these could become the focal point for Primary Care Network delivered services – such as mental health and physiotherapy. Please give us your views as Grays residents on what the best choice would be."

There are four Primary Care Networks (groups of GP practices) in Thurrock, including Grays Primary Care Network, that offer a range of services to support their local population. This includes mental health, physiotherapy, long term conditions support and more.  

You can find out more about the potential options for GP practice buildings in Grays and share your views:https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/get-involved/engagements/gp-services-grays

The survey is for people who live in the RM16 Grays postcode area and / or attend a GP practice in this area.

The deadline for responses is 5pm on Friday 2 September 2022.

There a second face-to-face engagement opportunity on 31 August from 12.30pm to 4pm at Stifford Clays Medical Centre, Crammavill Street.