NHS bosses have declared support for a new integrated surgery in Witham.

Witham MP Priti Patel received a letter from Andrew Pike, Director of Commissioning Operations at NHS England, backing the idea.

Ms Patel said: "I have been working with Witham GPs to support their application to the NHS Estates and Technology Transformation Fund which will unlock further funding to build a new health facility in Witham.

"As part of my long standing campaign to improve provision and access to health care for Witham residents, I wrote separately to NHS England to discuss the GP bid and funding to build a new multipurpose, fully integrated health centre.

"Mr Pike kindly wrote back to me saying 'please be assured that NHS England is supportive of a new integrated facility within Witham and will continue to work with all partners to develop sustainable options.'

"I am extremely grateful to receive his assurances and that NHS England is supportive of my campaign. I look forward to updating patients and residents in Witham about the outcome of the GP application to the fund in early September.”