EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe has been looking at the issues facing local GPs and  recently visited Stanford-le-Hope's Hassengate Medical Centre to discuss the challenges and learn about what can be done to address them.

Historic figures have repeatedly highlighted the problems of shortage of doctors in GP practice in Thurrock.

It is one of the areas of the country where doctors serving the highest number of patients, with a recent average showing every 100,000 people in the borough are served by 40 doctors.

During his visit to Hassengate, which has a 'good' CQC rating, the MP sor South Basildon and East Thurrock met with its business manager Russell Vine and practice manager Samantha Newton.

Stephen Metcalfe with business manager Russell Vine and practice manager Samantha Newton.

Mr Metcalfe underlined that he would continue to engage with the GPs, doctors, and nurses to improve the access and delivery of local NHS services.

He said the last few years have not been easy for general practice and patients alike, with the legacy of Covid, increasing demand, and inflationary pressures adding to the challenges facing GPs and added: "I offer my full support to Hassengate Medical Centre.

"I've heard from the managers and I thank them for detailing the improvements which they would like to see happen. This type of engagement is vital if we are going to ensure that we have access to high quality GP provision.

"I fully appreciate the hard work that general practice staff do within the health service. Diagnosing, prescribing, and referring – they are our first point of contact.

"We must recognise the pressure they are under, which is why I am pleased that GP training placements are increasing, with a record 4,032 starting in 2022, to help deliver more appointments and greater access when it is needed."