Surge in patients per GP in Colchester and North East Essex

The Liberal Democrats have called for a return to proper local health services, after new figures revealed a fall in the number of GPs in Colchester & North East Essex while patient numbers rise.

The analysis shows that there are now an eye-watering 2543 patients for every GP in North East Essex. This is up by 16% since 2016.

At the last election, the Conservative party promised to recruit more GPs. However, today’s analysis reveals there are now almost 2,000 fewer fully qualified GPs in England compared to 2016.  

The number of GPs has fallen by 13 GPs in North East Essex over the same time period.

Liberal Democrats have a pledge to recruit more GPs and give patients a legal right to see a GP within 7 days, or 24 hours in an emergency. This would be achieved through increasing training places for GPs, a programme to retain experienced doctors and staff, and launching a recruitment drive to encourage those who’ve left the NHS to return. 

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Campaigner for Prettygate, John Loxley said:

“Our local NHS survey has demonstrated that residents want a return to proper local health services. People in Colchester just want strong local health services but years of Government neglect has caused a GP shortage crisis, leaving people unable to see their local doctor when they need to. 

“Liberal Democrats would guarantee people a right to a GP appointment within one week so people can get the care they deserve. Boosting GP numbers would not only help people get appointments, it would reduce pressure on our hospitals and paramedics, saving crucial time and money elsewhere in the NHS.

“This local election is a golden opportunity to send the Government a message they cannot ignore, and elect a strong local champion who will stand up for our health services.”

Full analysis from the Liberal Democrats is available here.

The number of active GP surgeries has fallen by 547 in England since January 2019. Official Government data shows the number of ‘Open Active GP Surgeries’, the reason for closures is not given. Some of this data may include “mergers”, however other recent studies have also proven hundreds of GP practices closing across the country in recent years.