CLACTON’S MP says the area is at the head of an unfolding GP “disaster” and is demanding government action.

Douglas Carswell has written to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over the state of health care and doctors surgeries.

Three out of four GP surgeries in Clacton town centre closed their books to new patients due to a major doctor shortage, with facilities already struggling to keep up with demand.

In his letter to the minister, Mr Carswell said: “Once again, I am writing to you because of the chronic shortage of GPs in my constituency.

“It seems as if there is now a primary care crisis. The state is simply incapable of converting tax pounds into accessible primary care in Clacton.

“Could you please let me know what you intend to do about it?”

The MP also contacted Mr Hunt last year on the same subject, when he called on ministers to help increase the number of medical students going into general practice.

Mr Carswell said: “I am very alarmed about this. Several years ago, I took a delegation of GPs to meet with the secretary of state, Jeremy Hunt, in London.

“They explained in some detail what was likely to happen if the government did not do more to recruit more GPs. Everything they said in that room has come to pass.

“The government needs to recognise that there are simply not enough medical students going into general practice.”

Last month, Great Clacton Medical Practice was hit by a double-blow as two of its three doctors announced they were resigning due to the pressures of their workload.

One has since been persuaded to stay, and a new doctor has been recruited to work on Thursdays while the search for a locum to ease the strain is ongoing.

Mr Carswell added: “Our part of Essex is at the forefront of this unfolding disaster.

“Not only are we at the end of the line on a peninsula, but with a relatively older demographic, the pressures on GP surgeries are all the more acute.

“The secretary of state needs to recognise that there is a problem, and needs to ensure that we train enough GPs in this country to provide primary care to local people who pay for GP cover through their taxes.”