Following news this week that Thurrock has the most patients per GP – nearly twice the number of the best served areas – Cllr Mark Hooper, Cabinet member for Health and Well-being, is calling on the government to address this shocking postcode lottery.
Cllr Hooper said: “As astonishing as these revelations might seem I am sure they have not come as a surprise to people in Thurrock, who for a long time have faced severe difficulties in getting local appointments. This is not the fault of hardworking local GPs, who do their best to look after patients with up to twice the workload of their colleagues elsewhere.
“In Thurrock, we have nearly twice as many patients per GP as The Wirral. This is an appalling situation that puts our residents at a real disadvantage and creates very real health risks for them. It is entirely unacceptable.
“I have requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss this situation and find out what plans the government has to create a level playing field to give Thurrock residents the kind of access to healthcare they deserve.
“I will also be raising these concerns directly with NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, who are responsible for our GP services. I will ask them what plans they have to address this problem and make sure that people living in Thurrock have the same access to GPs as their neighbours in Essex.”