Maldon MP says 'huge pressure' on GPs as demand rises

MP Sir John Whittingdale said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss with the practice the pressures on GPs both nationally and specifically in Maldon.

“I recognise the problems of recruiting and retaining GPs which is a national problem, but which has been especially acute in Maldon.”

Sir John continued: “There are 65 more full-time equivalent GPs in mid and south Essex than four years ago and the new medical school in Chelmsford is training more.

“However, the steady increase in demand and expectations on GPs is making it harder to keep them in primary care in the NHS and I will raise this with the Minister for Health.

Sir John said that with the 17,000 patients on the practice list, there are huge pressure on the staff “which they are working hard to meet”, adding that any abuse towards staff “is totally unacceptable”.

Surgery - Longfield Medical Centre (Image: Submitted)

Sir John also welcomed the NHS’s new PATCHS system – an online consultation tool using artificial intelligence which currently works with 10 million people – and “further changes” to the booking system.

He added: “I hope that the daily release of more appointments at 1pm each day, as well as the ability for those without internet access to book through reception will make it easier for those needing an appointment to obtain one.”

Dr Brian Balmer and Dr James Booth, of the Essex Local Medical Committee, and Dan Doherty, NHS Alliance Director for mid Essex, were also present at the meeting.

In 2020, during the pandemic, Longfield Medical Centre’s booking system changed from in-person to telephone, and in 2021, 63 per cent of patients had a 'good' experience of making an appointment at the surgery.

While in 2022 the practice recruited two more GPs to increase the number of sessions available per week and hired a full-time advanced nurse practitioner.

At the time, Sir John said the practice was looking to expand as well.