Families living on Canvey are to be given another chance to voice their views on future health provision on the island.

Two meetings arranged earlier this month to discuss how to beat the chronic GP shortage, which has hit the island as hard as anywhere, attracted only a total of 80 people - a disappointment for Malcolm McCann, chief executive of Castle Point and Rochford Primary Care Trust.

On the table, following a feasibility study, is the creation of two primary care centres providing GPs, community services and some services currently available at Southend Hospital.

Mr McCann said: "We were very pleased at the outcomes from both meetings but disappointed at the turnout. We had worked very hard to promote them - it is such an important topic."

To ensure as many islanders as possible have their say, another two meetings are being arranged for February at dates to be announced.

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

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