A new health centre could be on the cards for Witham as part of a nationwide plan to improve community healthcare.
Witham MP Priti Patel has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, urging the government to prioritise a new facility in Witham as part of its recently launched "Fit for the Future" 10-Year Health Plan for England.
The plan includes the rollout of Neighbourhood Health Centres, which aim to improve access to community-based care.
Ms Patel said: "The people of Witham have waited far too long for the improvements to local healthcare that they deserve.
"The new Health Plan rightly recognises the importance of Neighbourhood Health Centres – but we need to see those words turned into action.
"Witham is ready.
"The need is clear, the community support is strong, and a solution has been worked on for years.
"We now need the government to back it."
In her letter, Ms Patel asked whether Witham would be included in the first wave of new centres, what funding would be available, and how the Department would work with the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS) to deliver the project.
She highlighted more than a decade of work towards establishing a multipurpose health centre in Witham, and expressed frustration over missed opportunities due to funding shortfalls and delayed decisions.
Ms Patel said: "There has been and continues to be strong local support for a new, multipurpose health centre in Witham, which would bring together GP services, diagnostics, mental health support, and other community-based care under one roof."
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She identified developer contributions, support from Braintree Council, and a potential site at the Newlands Centre redevelopment as previously explored but ultimately missed opportunities.
Ms Patel added: "I recognise the extensive complexities involved in establishing such a facility; however, in light of the newly published plan, the need for investment in Witham could not be more apparent.
"Residents face long waits for GP and hospital appointments, significant difficulties accessing NHS dental services, and unacceptable delays at A&E at Broomfield Hospital—often because primary and community services are unable to cope with demand."
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