PROBLEMS getting through at a Maldon GP practice are largely down to its telephone system, according to health chiefs.

A high volume of patients trying to call Blackwater Medical Centre are phoning in as doctors are busy phoning out, making socially-distanced consultations.

A spokesperson from Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: "Blackwater Medical Centre's current telephone system must accommodate outgoing telephone consultations (to support social distancing) from the practice's opening time on lines shared with incoming calls.

"The practice is changing working patterns of some staff so it can take a higher volume of calls at once during the morning, when lines tend to be busier.

"It is also exploring a new telephone system."

The CCG also asked for patience in a statement that reads: "GP practices are working hard to provide care safely. If you need GP support, please call your surgery and they will arrange for you to speak to a GP. Some surgeries are taking high numbers of calls and we appreciate your patience at busy times.

"If appropriate you will receive advice or care via video or over the phone, but if your GP decides they need to see you in person you will be offered a face-to-face appointment."

The response comes after Maldon Nub News received a number of comments from patients experiencing difficulties getting through on the phone at the surgery. The issue with Blackwater Medical Centre also came up in questions from the public at last week's Mid Essex CCG Annual General Meeting.