HEALTH chiefs want to cut the number of GP practices by half by introducing bigger primary care centres in Southend, Rochford and Castle Point.

South East Essex has 170 doctors in 70 GP practices over 81 sites.

Over the next five years, NHS South East Essex wants to cut the number of premises to about 48.

It says many small GP practices need refurbishment and some are unfit for purpose, and unable to provide the additional services and longer opening hours that larger practices can accommodate.

In its strategy, the NHS outlines proposals for at least eight new primary care centres, including a big one in Shoebury, three smaller ones in Westcliff and another in Southend’s Temple Sutton area.

A second primary care centre is planned for Canvey, in addition to the one just completed at the Paddocks, in Long Road.

A large primary care centre is also earmarked for Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley. The eighth will be built in Benfleet.

It is hoped the centres will offer day case procedures, outpatient clinics and diagnostic tests, as well as extended GP opening hours – including evenings and weekends.

In its strategy, NHS South East Essex says: “Unless we improve the state of our local facilities and reduce the number of small practices, more money will have to be spent on premises in the future which could otherwise be available for better health care.”

Dr Haroon Siddique, from Southend Medical Centre, said: “Often the perception is that single handed, GPs don’t provide a service comparable to larger practices, but that is not always correct. Some patients will fight tooth and nail for their GP for the personal contact and continuity of care, but we imagine they will get this in primary care centres as well.

“This is coming from Government and some GPs feel a bit uncomfortable about it, as we don’t want to lose independent status.

“This will happen by natural evolution as GPs retire, and we have an ageing GP population, so it will go that way eventually.

“From the patient’s perspective, they can see a GP, have a blood test, physio and toe nails cut in one building, but they might have to travel further for it.”