A PLAN of action has been drawn up to get a new healthcare facility in Witham kick-started.

Priti Patel met with GPs and healthcare stakeholders to set out a plan for the delivery of a new multi-purpose health centre in the town.

Plans are currently being drafted, but they include a timeline for how long the centre will take to complete, and details on when key decisions will be made.

Ms Patel said: “I was delighted to host a number of local healthcare professionals to formulate and discuss a plan of action, as part of my campaign to build a new health facility in Witham.

"We discussed at length the types of services to be run from the new facility, reaching a consensus to improve health care provision in Witham by building a new centre in the town.

"I want to thank all those who attended and look forward to working with all involved to build the new centre.”

The Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and Braintree Council also attended the meeting held on Friday, July 1.

Nicola Beach, Chief Executive at Braintree Council, said: "I was pleased to meet with Priti and other stakeholders to discuss the new health facility following Braintree District Council's announcement to invest more than £3million in Witham's primary care infrastructure.

"Braintree Council recognises a new health facility for residents is much needed and this investment will help the NHS and local GPs, as well as providing a return for our taxpayers.

"We hope our investment will also unlock other funding for services to be run from the new facility."

Town doctors who were previously reticent to work together now agreed that was the best way forward.

The NHS and Braintree Council are looking at creating at least one ‘health hub’ in the town, potentially in Maltings Lane, where care services could be centralised.

Witham GPs were contacted but none were available for comment.