THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price has been handed a role in the Department for Health, serving under minister Jeremy Hunt.

Ms Doyle-Price has been made parliamentary under-secretary of state for health in the government reshuffle following General Election.

The Tory MP has stated on her constituency website that GP shortages in Thurrock are partly down to GPs “not delivering enough”.

She has vowed to make sure GP practises “take responsibility” for having appropriate staff levels for patient demand and that “they get the money to do so.”

Ms Doyle-Price, who's brief has yet to be confirmed, made waves in the run up to the election, where she narrowly held on to her seat for the third time, as she revealed plans regarding Orsett Hospital at a hustings event in Thurrock.

She told the meeting that “NHS trusts should be free to sell land if they want” and “that’s exactly what’s going to happen with regard to Orsett Hospital.”

Basildon Hospital later confirmed that discussions were taking place in regards to the future of local hospital and community-based health services as part of the Essex Success Regime and that Orsett Hospital was part of this discussion.

The news has sparked concern for residents, especially due to the current plans to merge services.