COLCHESTER residents are being left "waiting in pain" due to funding for doctors' surgeries in the city reportedly dropping by almost seven per cent per patient in the last five years. 

Research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has found money given to the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) For Suffolk and North Essex – which cover’s Colchester - has reduced by 6.6 per cent in real terms since 2019.

The ICB’s spending, meanwhile, has risen to £204 million for the current year, up from the 2018/19 figure of £178.5m – a difference the Liberal Democrats say is “despite a large increase in population”.

Martin Goss, parliamentary candidate for Colchester, said: “Families and pensioners are currently struggling to see their GP despite being in need of medical advice.

"It is leaving people waiting in pain or simply anxious about not getting the care they need.

Gazette: Critical - Martin Goss said PM Rishi Sunak and the government were 'out of touch' when it comes to GP accessCritical - Martin Goss said PM Rishi Sunak and the government were 'out of touch' when it comes to GP access (Image: Newsquest)

“It is not right that our community is suffering the consequences of this Conservative government’s neglect of local health services.

“Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his failing government is totally out of touch. Seeing your GP should be at the heart of our NHS.

"That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a legal right to see a GP within seven days or 24-hours if in urgent need.”

Bosses at the Department of Health and Social Care, however, have stressed they remain committed to improving access to GPs. 

A spokesman said: "We are now delivering 50 million more GP appointments per year.

“The most recent data shows GP funding increased in real terms by 19 per cent between 2017 and 2022.

"Our Primary Care Recovery Plan is investing £645 million to expand pharmaceutical services and take pressure off general practice.

“We are also investing £240 million on digital tools, telephony and training to ensure GP surgeries have what they need to improve access for patients.”

The Department of Health and Social Care also said spending on GPs rose by “almost a fifth” – 19 per cent - in real terms between 2017/2018 and the most recent data 2021/22.

The government’s manifesto commitment for 50 million more general practice appointments per year has also been achieved with 364.1 million appointments booked across the last 12 months. 

View the interactive House of Common's GP dashboard visit here.