MANY residents have experienced extreme difficulties in accessing their GP in recent months. Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, has been working hard to ensure that this changes as soon as possible to ensure that all residents are able to access their GP services. 

He met twice with the West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) who are responsible for GP services in Harlow and demanded that they implement an action plan to change this. 

The CCG have set out a clear action plan with key steps that they will be taking including improving the telephone systems, specific action plans for each surgery and more support for surgery receptionists.

Commenting, Mr Halfon said: “Too many residents have faced difficulties in accessing their GPs, particularly in terms of face-to-face appointments. The Government recently announced a £270 million package to improve this and I have met with the local CCG to demand that they produce a proper action plan to rectify this. I welcome the plan that they have produced and I would encourage every resident who is facing difficulties in accessing their GP to follow the steps for patients set out in the plan.

“I want to pay tribute to everyone who works in our GP and local health services. They have faced extraordinary circumstances over the past 18 months and they are true corona heroes who have worked tirelessly to care for residents.

“I will continue to hold the leadership of the CCG to account to make sure that residents are getting the support and service that they need.”