THE population of Thurrock is expected to grow by almost a fifth - around 35,000 residents over the next ten years - prompting health bosses to consider how the NHS is going to cope.

The matter was considered at a recent meeting of the Mid and South Essex integrated care partnership, which was told NHS has said it is "actively planning" around the expected population boom.

Attendees heard that a number of initiatives are being planned, including increasing GP capacity through local training programmes in Thurrock.

Data from Thurrock Council shows that the area's population is expected to increase by almost 20 per cent over the next ten years. Between the last two censuses – held in 2011 and 2021- the population of Thurrock increased by 11.6 per cent, from around 157,700 in 2011 to around 176,000 in 2021.

The population increased by a greater percentage than the overall population of the East of England, which grew at 8.3 per cent, and by a greater percentage than the overall population of England, 6.6 per cent, in 2011.

The current population is expected to grow and reach 207,200 by 2033, a projected increase of 18 per cent

The majority of the population lives in the main conurbations of Aveley, Greys, Purfleet-on-Thames, Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, South Ockendon, Belhus, Tilbury and Chafford Hundred.

A question at the meeting had asked what the NHS was doing to meet Thurrock's needs, which are expected "to grow quite significantly over the next 10 years", given concerns that there is a lack of forward planning for their medical needs.

Aleksandra Mecan, NHS alliance director for Thurrock, said: "We're very aware of Thurrock's growing and changing population, and we're actively planning to meet future health needs.

"In the short term, we're increasing GP capacity through local training programmes and improving access to care.

"We have seen the introduction of four new GP fellows in training as a result of this programme, with additional increase in internal training across practices in the patch to support development and attraction of Thurrock as a place to work."

She said a new Community Diagnostic Centre is opening at Thurrock Hospital later this year which will offer 75,000 additional appointments a year, and a new falls prevention service will support older residents to stay well at home.#

And added that an early years oral health programme has already reduced hospital visits for dental issues.

Ms Mecan concluded: "Looking ahead, we're working closely with the council to plan for new health facilities alongside new housing developments.

"Integrated Locality Teams are now in place to provide joined-up care across Thurrock, and we're investing in prevention, from supporting healthy lifestyles to tackling high blood pressure.

"Some changes will take time to show results, but our plans are designed to support better health and wellbeing for all Thurrock residents, now and in the future."