DOCTORS could be offered financial incentives to come and work for Colchester’s hardpressed GP surgeries.

Many of the borough’s practices are finding it hard to attract doctors, putting GPs under huge strain and leaving patients struggling to get appointments.

Countywide, official statistics show Essex has 143 GPs fewer than NHS England says it should have.

In an effort to attract more doctors into general practice, senior health bosses are thought to be considering offering “golden hello” incentives similar to the ones already on offer in Clacton and Braintree.

Under the Clacton and Braintree schemes, new GPs are given signing- on bonuses of as much £10,000 if they take a job with a practice in the area and stayat least two years.

Full details of any such deal for Colchester have yet to be finalised, but it will be discussed at a meeting next month.

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