Patients in Southend are getting a £250,000 boost for more nursing services and other improvements at GP practices.

Already Valkyrie Surgery in Valkyrie Road, Westcliff, is having alterations and extensions to give more room for patients as a result of this cash.

The money comes from South Essex Health Authority which approved an investment plan by Southend Primary Care Group.

This was the first such bid made by the newly formed group, based at Rochford Hospital, and which looks after Southend's primary health care - like doctors surgeries.

Business manager Kate Betts said: "The idea of the group is for services to be managed more locally.

"We hold a budget for the Southend area and have a board of GPs and social services people.

"We still come under the umbrella of South Essex Health Authority, and although we manage our own budget, we also make bids for other things."

Following the success of the first bid to improve facilities for Southend patients, Dr Colin Adey, who chairs Southend Primary Care Group, said: "The investment in Southend is very welcome.

"This will help local GPs, nurses and their staff to deliver a first class service."

Demand for services has steadily grown, with more than 175,000 Southend patients looked after by 40 GP practices.

The £250,000 covers the first year of a three year investment plan. Details of the plan for the following two years will be available by the end of September.

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