Thurrock Council has taken an important step toward fixing “healthcare inequality” across the borough after backing plans to fund the first “integrated medical centre”.

The council’s cabinet meeting, which met last week at the Civic Centre in Grays, agreed direct council funds towards the new base in Tilbury.

In a report presented by James Halden, councillor responsible for healthcare, members heard how an estimated £10 to £20 million would be invested in the plans.

The approval of the report by council members also means they will now seek to find a design team for the project on a phased basis, this being phase one.

Speaking about the report, Mr Halden said: “This really is terrific news. 

“We have said so many times that we have got to move from concept to delivery.

“This is the first concrete step we have taken to actually get this done.

“What agreeing this report will do is release the money for the design team to be procured.

“The team will be working on what will be the core offer starting with the Tilbury and Chadwell site.”

Mr Halden went on to explain that the facility, once up and running, will provide primary care, outpatient services, some diagnostic services and may provide a community space as well.

He added: “More importantly, we will be looking to build a complex model to ensure we are building facilities that take us many years into the future.”

The report was welcomed by all members of the cabinet.

Sue Little, councillor for children and adult social care, said: “This is really going to stop the healthcare inequality in Tilbury and Chadwell and I think that’s great.”

Leader of the council Rob Gledhill added: “I cannot remember a time since I’ve been on council when healthcare inequality in Tilbury has not been mentioned. This will go someway to fixing that.”