AN MP has given an update on how medical centres in Maldon are making an effort to improve after the Covid pandemic.

Conservative MP for Maldon John Whittingdale revealed he had contacted NHS Mid Essex CCG for an update on how it is supporting GP surgeries in the district.

Mr Whittingdale said: "After contacting the NHS Mid Essex CCG to request an update on GP surgeries in our constituency, they have assured me they are continuing to support GP surgeries to return to business as usual, as we come out of the pandemic.

"I am acutely aware of the significant issues affecting my constituents.

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"I am pushing for both the improvement of access to face-to-face appointments and the implementation of an improved telephony system to make it easier for patients to contact their GP surgery."

The Tory MP says there have been a number of changes in both Longfield Medical Centre and Blackwater Medical Centre to support patients.

At Longfield, the practice has recruited two more GPs to increase the number of sessions available per week.

It has also hired a full-time advanced nurse practioner.

The clinical pharmacist at the surgery has also undergone additional training and will be providing minor illness clinics from this month.

Mr Whittingdale revealed the practice is looking to expand as well.

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Longfield has requested space at St Peters Hospital, he says, which is being supported by NHS Mid Essex CCG.

The new practice manager for Blackwater Medical Centre, Tiwa Obisesan, took over in December and is now actively looking to recruit more doctors.

Blackwater's telephone system is being upgraded too, to make it easier for patients to contact the surgery.

Similar to Longfield, Blackwater is also looking to expand.

The Maldon MP says it has looked at the possibility of relocating some of its services to a new site, such as the Maldon Health Hub.

Mr Whittingdale added: "I want to assure my constituents that I am aware of the problems faced with regards to access to GP services.

"I have had several meetings with both individual practices and the Mid Essex CCG, to discuss what can be done to best address these issues.

"I am committed to working with the relevant people to ensure there is an improvement to both access to and quality of care for my constituents going forward."