HEALTHCARE bodies say they are working with GPs in Tendring in a bid to end the doctor shortage crisis in the area.

Several surgeries across Clacton, Frinton, Walton and Kirby are struggling, and healthcare body NHS England has moved to improve the situation.

The services are stretched to the limit by a lack of GPs manning the facilities.

GP surgery bosses say they want to hire more staff and have been advertising for reinforcements, but doctors are reluctant to move to the area.

A spokesman from the NHS England Essex Area Team said: “NHS England is aware that there is an issue with access to available GPs in the Tendring district.

“However, the Essex Area Team is actively working with individual practices to immediately address the situation and swiftly put in place interim arrangements to help manage this.

“The team is also working closely with partners to develop longer-term plans to attract more GPs into the County.

"NHS England remains committed to ensuring that patients have access to high quality healthcare."