PLANS to change GP contracts to respond to Tendring doctors’ concerns have been welcomed.

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell said the government has announced changes in GP contracts that respond directly to concerns of local doctors.

Mr Carswell previously raised the issue with health minister Jeremy Hunt.
“I took a delegation to meet him face-to-face,” said Mr Carswell.

“It seems the minister clearly did listen because a number of the changes that local GPs asked for at that meeting have now been announced as NHS policy.

“For example, in order to get some revenue, GPs have to comply with rules and regulations.

"These rules, written into the old 2004 GP contacts, made things harder for local GPs. Many of those rules will now go”.

He added that GPs will now also be given incentives to provide more out-of-hours cover in a bid to help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.

“Many patients could be seen by a district nurse in their own home, which would remove some pressure on GP waiting rooms,” added Mr Carswell.

“Despite these changes, I remain extremely concerned about local GP cover.

“There is a shortage of GPs here in Tendring, so I am working with local NHS bosses to try to ensure that we do more to make it more attractive for GPs to work in local surgeries.”

Last week it was revealed that surgeries in Frinton and Walton are nearing a crisis point because they are unable to attract permanent doctors.