New providers have been chosen to deliver medical services at two crisis-hit surgeries in the district.

St Lawrence Medical Practice in Braintree, which operates the Silver End branch surgery, had to close its books to new patients in February due to a GP shortage crisis.

The partners at the St Lawrence surgery, who had been trying to recruit more doctors without success, had been given three months' notice on their contract, ending on May 31.

Provide have been awarded a contract to deliver primary medical services for 12 months from June 1 at St Lawrence Medical Practice.

NHS England has also awarded the GP partners of Little Waltham & Great Notley GP Practice with a 12-month contract for the Silver End branch surgery from June 1. 

NHS England will shortly begin a procurement to secure a long term provider of these services before these contracts end.

All patients will be receiving a letter shortly to inform them they will not need to take any action as theywill remain on the patient list of their respective preferred GP Practice.

Those patients wishing to change their preferred GP Practice may do so by speaking to the respective GP practice staff.

Patients can contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233 if they have any queries or concerns (this number is charged at a local rate).