PATIENTS have launched a scathing attack on health bosses for their failure to take action and bring surgeries back from the brink of crisis.

Surgeries in Frinton and Walton have been left near breaking point due to a major shortage in doctors, with recruitment of new GPs proving nearly impossible.

It has become a major problem across Tendring, with Frinton’s Caradoc Surgery and Walton’s Vicarage Lane Surgery worst affected.

NHS England has created a strategy document detailing the evolution of primary care in the area.

But the Walton surgery’s patient participation group criticised the document after meeting with NHS England bosses.

Group chairman Jonathan Geldard said: “We have no faith or belief whatsoever that this strategy will benefit or improve primary care for our area.

“The document contains many thoughts and concepts, but no significant actions that will have any bearing on the next five years."

The Walton patient participation group has decided to take action itself to try to force progress.

Members plan to organise a meeting of representatives from patient participation groups from across the area.

Ian Stidston, Director of Commissioning, NHS England Essex said: “NHS England welcomes the comments from Patient Groups and will ensure those views will be incorporated into the next version of the primary care strategy."

Read the full story in this week's Frinton & Walton Gazette, out now.