AN MP has backed a health programme supporting NHS areas facing service shortfalls.

MP for Witham, Priti Patel, has pledged her support for the Mid and South Essex Success Regime, which is overseen by NHS England and NHS Improvement.

The scheme aims to support NHS areas with deep-rooted and persistent pressures, where financial deficits and service shortfalls create serious challenges for health and care.

It has published plans for the future of local health and care over the next five years and aims to join services together, upgrade accessibility to these services, and improve patients’ experiences and quality.

Ms Patel said: "I recently met with local NHS executives from NHS England, Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and Mid Essex Hospital Trust to discuss healthcare issues effecting my constituents, and my campaign to build a new health centre in Witham.

"What is clear from patients is that there is an overwhelming need to improve the out-of-hospital services for my constituents.

"This can be achieved by building a new multi-purpose and fully integrated practice, particularly to meet the projected population growth and dramatic increase in complex patient needs in Witham.

"My constituents will be pleased to know that the Success Regime does not propose to close A&E departments at any of the three hospitals involved.

"Further to this, A&E departments could have the support of assessment centres for both children, and the elderly and frail and those who need surgery."

The full mid Essex sustainability and transformation plan and a summary guide is available from successregimeessex.co.uk