Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Hassengate Medical Centre in Stanford-le-Hope to discuss the challenges facing GPs and understand what can be done to address them.
Stephen recently met with Russell Vine, Business Manager at Hassengate Medical Centre, and Samantha Newton, Practice Manager at Hassengate Medical Centre, for a productive and wide-ranging discussion.
The last few years have not been easy for general practice and patients alike, with the legacy of Covid, increasing demand, and inflationary pressures adding to the challenges facing GPs.
Stephen underlined that he would continue to engage with the GPs, doctors, and nurses to improve the access and delivery of local NHS services.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “I offer my full support to Hassengate Medical Centre. I’ve heard from the managers and I thank them for detailing the improvements which they would like to see happen. This type of engagement is vital if we are going to ensure that we have access to high quality GP provision.
I fully appreciate the hard work that general practice staff do within the health service. Diagnosing, prescribing, and referring – they are our first point of contact.
We must recognise the pressure they are under, which is why I am pleased that GP training placements are increasing, with a record 4,032 starting in 2022, to help deliver more appointments and greater access when it is needed.”
