A PRIVATE healthcare company could be chosen to run the new Colchester medical centre.

Bosses at North East Essex (NHS) Primary Care Trust (PCT) said they would be putting a contract out to tender on the new GP-led centre in the primary care centre in Turner Road, Colchester.

Chief executive Paul Zollinger-Read said: " The contract will be open to anyone who wants to run the centre.

"We will go out to tender with the specifications for what the centre looks like and people can express an interest.

"We're expecting to hear from established private healthcare companies like ChilversMcCrea, which has taken over Green Elms surgery in Jaywick, or we could well see local GPs putting in a bid, alone or as a partnership."

He said the PCT envisaged the surgery having extended hours and providing facilities for patients to make appointments or simply walk in.

It will provide emergency medical care and will be open from 8am to 10pm.