PATIENTS in Castle Point who need an ultrasound scan for certain conditions could be able to avoid a trip to the hospital thanks to a new clinic.

Residents registered at one of nine GP surgeries in Benfleet, Hadleigh and Canvey can now visit the purpose-built ultrasound clinic at Canvey’s Oak Road surgery for a scan.

This usually happens within five days of being referred by their doctor.

Dr Mahesh Kamdar, who is based at the surgery, said: “This is very good news for our patients, as not only are we bringing services closer to the patients’ homes, we are also providing faster access to high-quality diagnostic ultrasound services, and therefore diagnosis.

“It means treatment, if necessary, will be much faster.”

The new service, part of a year-long pilot scheme agreed with NHS South East Essex, only covers gynaecological and urological scans at the moment.

Trust chief executive Andrew Pike said the service could be developed further if the trial proved successful.

The nine practices are: * Dr RM Patel and Partners, Benfleet * Dr MK Kamdar and Partners, Canvey * Dr HW Mott, Benfleet * Dr U Suleman-Qureshi, Canvey * Dr JB Ghauri, Canvey * Dr JHT Lee and Partners, Canvey * Dr Rahman, Canvey * Dr MJ Lester and Partners, Benfleet * Dr RA Gardiner, Benfleet.