CLACTON MP Douglas Carswell has called on health ministers to help increase the number of medical students going into general practice.

Mr Carswell wrote to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, calling on the Government to take action to cut the length of time that it can take to see a GP.

He said there were major problems recruiting doctors in Clacton, Frinton and Walton, and asked: “What more can be done to make general practice more attractive to young doctors, in order to offset the number of GPs who are retiring?”

In response, minister Dr Daniel Poulter said the Government was taking action to address GP shortages, citing a new £10million investment fund and a new tenpoint plan to “incentivise younger doctors”.

Speaking to the Gazette, Mr Carswell added: “Local people have a growing sense of frustration and anger at the length of time that it sometimes takes to see a doctor.

“It’s not the fault of local GPs if there aren’t enough doctors. Ministers need to increase the number of medical students going into general practice.”

Mr Carswell said he had followed up by tabling a written question to the minister specifically about the future of Epping Close surgery in Great Clacton, which closed almost a year ago for repairs but never reopened .

Patients are now forced to use a surgery a mile-and-ahalf away in Kennedy Way.