NHS Essex to provide 32,000 extra GP appointments this winter

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 00:33 · Archive

NHS Essex is making around 32,000 extra GP appointments available across the region this winter to manage increased seasonal demand.

NHS Essex is investing £1.1 million in a winter access scheme that will provide around 32,000 extra GP appointments across the region this winter. The scheme will deliver 8,000 additional appointments every month from November 2026 until February 2027.

The appointments will be shared across primary care networks in Essex, Southend and Thurrock according to their population sizes. They will be delivered through participating primary care networks and will include access to a range of health professionals at GP practices, including nurses and physiotherapists.

Beverley Flowers, executive director of neighbourhood health, said the additional appointments are 'essential to support the rise in demand we expect to see' and will 'further open up access to a wide range of health and care professionals available at GP practices, including physiotherapists and nurses'.

The scheme is designed to make it easier for patients to receive care during the busiest months of the year and reduce pressure elsewhere in the health service. It particularly targets people considered most at risk of becoming unwell during winter, including those living with frailty.

Flowers added that NHS Essex is 'working with Essex's voluntary and community organisations to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities can stay well and are supported to return home when they no longer need to be in hospital'.

The appointment scheme forms part of a wider plan aimed at helping Essex's health and care system cope with seasonal pressures across hospitals, community services, mental health, primary care, ambulance services and social care.

How it is being reported

• Around 32,000 more GP appointments announced this winter to help Essex patientsAround 32,000 extra GP appointments will be made available across Essex this winter as the NHS prepares for increased pressure.Brentwood Guardian · 27 Oct, 18:00
• Around 32,000 more GP appointments announced this winter to help Essex patientsAround 32,000 extra GP appointments will be made available across Essex this winter as the NHS prepares for increased pressure.Colchester Gazette · 27 Oct, 13:54
• Around 32,000 more GP appointments announced this winter to help Essex patientsAround 32,000 extra GP appointments will be made available across Essex this winter as the NHS prepares for increased pressure.Echo (Basildon) · 27 Oct, 13:54

In this story: NHS Essex · Essex · Southend · Thurrock · Beverley Flowers

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