A SUPPORT group for GPs has attacked the health trust responsible for the proposed closure of two doctors' surgeries.

The Local Medical Committee, which represents GPs across the county, has criticised the PCT's handling of its plans for the Leecon Way surgery, Rochford, and Hawkwell Park Drive practice, Hawkwell.

In a letter to Lorraine Cabel, the interim chief executive of South East Essex PCT, committee chief executive Brian Balmer said he was concerned the PCT had "misinformed" patients.

He wrote: "Your letter suggests that a decision to close the surgeries has already been made, and earlier consultation with the (committee) would have been appreciated.

"The PCT letter also strongly suggests that a closure will be due to the actions of the landlord, the widow of Dr Sen.

"Further inquiries have raised serious doubts about this assertion and it would appear that patients have been misinformed.

"This should be corrected immediately, as delay will cause a further reduction of the list size. It is also essential to seek the views of patients."

Surgery campaigner John Davies, 66, of Woodlands Road, Hockley, was pleased the committee had intervened.

He said: "There has been a lot of confusion about what is happening. We think people have been misled because the first letter was very confusing."

The original letter said the PCT had no option but to close the surgeries and recommended patients register with other practices. However, it later insisted no final decision had been made.

Mrs Cabel said: "It was not the PCT's intention to imply that the current situation regarding the surgeries is the responsibility of the landlord, and we are sorry for any anxiety this may have caused."

A decision is expected at a PCT board meeting on March 29 in Harcourt Avenue, Southend, which starts at 12.30pm.