GP surgeries across Essex to be expanded or improved
Eleven practices have already been improved over the last year, according to NHS Essex.
Some GP surgeries across Essex are getting bigger or being improved, meaning more space and better facilities for patients.
Plans include new and expanded surgeries in places including Hullbridge, Hockley, Southend and Hedingham.
NHS Essex says eleven GP premises have already been improved over the past year.
Tom Abell Chief Executive of NHS Essex, said: “We know that being able to access GP services when people need them is a top priority for Essex residents. Having the right buildings and facilities is an important part of making that happen."
"While these developments can be complex and depend on funding and close partnership working, we are determined to make the most of every opportunity to deliver better facilities for patients and local GP teams to better meet the needs of growing communities.”
Schemes currently in progress include:
• Riverside Medical Centre, Hullbridge: plans for a new branch surgery at the High Elms development off Lower Road. The new facility will give the practice more space to provide services and support both existing patients and the growing local population. Subject to the remaining work and approvals, it could open in early 2027.
• Church View Surgery (Jones Family Practice), Hockley: plans for around £700,000 of capital investment to extend the existing practice, providing additional space for patient care. Work could begin in early 2027.
• North Avenue Surgery, Southend: plans include investment of around £250,000 in improvements to the practice, with further legal agreements now required.
• Shoebury Health Centre and Laindon Health Centre: work is taking place with NHS Property Services to take forward a proposed multi-million-pound investment in each site to support major improvements to older buildings. The aim is to create better designed, more accessible facilities that are better suited to modern healthcare and have increased space to see patients. Work is continuing with GP practices to make sure that both satisfy the investment requirements.
• Norton Place, Southend: a local GP practice has asked to use the site as a temporary branch surgery for its registered patients.
• Chafford Hundred Medical Centre: a landlord funded extension to provide additional clinical space is due to begin construction in winter 2026/27 and to be completed in autumn 2027.
Other GP practice improvements are also planned at The Dipple Medical Centre in Basildon, Angel Lane Surgery in Great Dunmow, Thorpe Bay Surgery in Southend, Beauchamp House Surgery in Chelmsford, Valkyrie Surgery in Westcliff, Old Harlow Health Centre, Coggershall Surgery in Colchester, Addison House Surgery in Harlow, Gold Street (Phase 2 extension) in Saffron Walden, Rowhedge Surgery in Colchester, Ashingdon Medical Centre in Rochford, Mersea Island Medical Practice in West Mersea.