MEP Tim Aker and Dr Pro Malik of Thurrock Health Centre have voiced concerns about 'back-room deals' being made for the future of the popular drop-in GP service.

Councillor Tim Aker is warning the Grays walk-in centre being shut down will “devastate” healthcare provision in the area.

Dr Malik has spoken up after she wasn’t invited to the recent consultation on the future of the centre.

Tim Aker MEP said: “The walk-in centre faces a complete stitch-up from the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) board who didn’t even invite Dr. Pro Malik to their so-called consultation. Nor were any residents I’ve spoken to aware of it.

“People in Thurrock need to be aware that the CCG wants to shut the walk-in centre by this September and replace it with hubs dotted elsewhere which will only be open from 9am to 12 midday Saturday and Sunday, dramatically limiting people’s access to healthcare in Grays and beyond. It will have devastating consequences.

“The demand on Grays walk-in is clear: people like it, value it, want it and I will be doing everything I can alongside Dr. Malik to keep it open for the residents of our borough to use.”