PLANS to change GP contracts to respond to Tendring doctors’ concerns have been welcomed.

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell said the Government had announced changes in contracts which responded directly to issues raised by local doctors.

Mr Carswell raised the subject with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

He said: “I took a delegation to meet him. It seems the minister clearly did listen, because a number of the changes GPs asked for at that meeting have now been announced as NHS policy.

“For example, in order to get some revenue, GPs have to comply with rules and regulations.

“These rules, written into the old 2004 GP contracts, made things harder for local GPs. Many of those rules will now go.”

Mr Carswell added that GPs would now also be given incentives to provide more out-of-hours cover in a bid to help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.

He said: “Many patients could also be seen by a district nurse in their own home, which would remove some pressure on GP waiting rooms.

“However, despite these changes, I remain extremely concerned about local GP cover.

There is a shortage of GPs here in Tendring, so I am working with local NHS bosses to try to ensure we do more to make it more attractive for GPs to work in local surgeries.”

It has been revealed surgeries in Frinton and Walton are nearing a crisis point because they are unable to attract permanent doctors.