Data reveals an NHS department responsible for Epping is among the worst in England for seeing patients.

West Essex NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) a group of GPs who commission treatment for Epping patients, treated just 3 patients per 1,000 population in June. Only increasing its output by 1 patient per 1,000 population from May. 

Data shows West Essex CCG is the third worst in England post-covid for increased waiting times and the worst at seeing patients. The second worst being North Central London and the worst Wirral.  

Dr Rachel Joyce, Director of Clinical and Professional Services for West Essex said: “Our NHS staff are working incredibly hard to ensure that patients receive their treatment as soon as possible and, with every patient case reviewed by a clinician. 

“We prioritise those with the most urgent and complex needs – including cancer diagnosis and treatment where more than 85 per cent of people are beginning treatment within eight weeks. 

 “We’ve put in place additional diagnostic tests, appointments and surgeries, with more access at evenings and weekends, and are working alongside independent providers to make sure everyone is seen as quickly as possible.  

“We’re also utilising technology better, with telephone and online consultations where appropriate, using digital technology to monitor people’s health from home, and putting in systems that allow patients to schedule their own follow-up appointments if and when they need them.” 

The analysis reveals that the NHS is treating significantly fewer patients than before the pandemic. Figures show an 8 per cent decrease in people receiving treatment from 2019. 

The study also exposes increases in waiting times across all regions in June. 

Barbara Harpham, Chair of the Medical Technology Group who carried out the research, said: “We urge NHS England to agree to a post-Covid patient charter that ensures rapid access to treatment and no arbitrary restrictions so patients are certain of the service they will receive.”