PATIENTS can now see their GP at the weekend at two new Thurrock ‘health hubs’...and two more are on the way.

The two bases now open are in the Neera Medical Centre, in Stanford-le- Hope, and the Health Centre, in London Road, Tilbury, and the Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group expects a third to open in Grays “in the next fewweeks”.

Plans are being developed for a fourth hub in South Ockendon.

They will allow for patients to see GPs and nurses on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Each practice will eventually have slots for 70 appointments every weekend.

The hubs have come about after a decision was made to close the Grays walk-in medical health service in the High Street, and instead invest the savings made into the four hubs. Each will be staffed by a GP and nurse on a Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The hubs are not a drop-in service and appointments must be made through regular GPs.

The clinical commissioning group believes the hubs will relieve pressure on A&E departments at the weekend.

Dr Anand Deshpande, chair of the group, said: “As a local GP, I know the frustrations of many of my patients who need GP and nurse appointments at the weekend. By making these appointments available, we’ll not only give local people more appropriate care, but potentially be saving them from a long wait in hospital.”

Thurrock MPs welcomed the news. Stephen Metcalfe, the South Basildon and East Thurrock MP, said: “It sounds like an excellent way forward. It’s good news and it’s additional services.”

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price added: “We need the services offered by GPs so everyone can access good healthcare when they need it.

“I am determined we deliver good patient-centred care in Thurrock.”