An emergency health line which covers for GPs was today under fire after becoming jammed with callers over the festive period.

The out-of-hours service, run by Primecare, was engaged for hours on end and was today slammed by MP Sir Teddy Taylor for "failing" his constituents.

Primecare has run the service in Southend for more than 20 years, but recently lost its contract and will be taken over by Essex Ambulance Service from January 1.

Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy received a call from a desperate constituent who was worried about his poorly mother.

The man was unable to request medical assistance because the line, which is supposed to cover for GPs over weekends, evenings and bank holidays, had been constantly engaged.

Sir Teddy tried the number eight times himself between 10am and 1pm on Monday, but to no avail.

He eventually called Southend Hospital to see if the woman could be seen quicklythere.

Sir Teddy said: "I know this system was introduced to take pressure off GPs, but it does not seem to be working.

"It is a pretty terrible situation if you can't get through to anyone at all. I tried to help but I don't think I have ever felt so useless during all my time as an MP."

Spokeswoman for Primecare Chinzia Marrocco said: "This is the busiest time of year and we planned for that by rostering extra call handlers and clinicians.

"We have provided this service for Southend for more than 20 years and were disappointed to hear about this complaint, as we have always been proud of our high standards."