A GP is aiming to improve early diagnosis of cancer and communication between doctors and hospitals to ensure that swift action is taken against the disease.

Dr Sara Astbury has been appointed as Macmillan GP for West Essex, a new role funded by the cancer charity to improve response times in Epping Forest as well as Harlow and Uttlesford.

She will spend one morning and one afternoon each week working with GPs for the West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), to identify areas for improvement such as early diagnosis and supported care in the community.

Dr Astbury said: “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in west Essex and the Macmillan network, who have a wealth of resources and enthusiasm for improving cancer care.

“This role offers an exciting opportunity to improve services for local patients and families experiencing the difficult period that a cancer diagnosis can bring.

“My efforts will be to improve links between GPs and hospitals and to promote further resources available in west Essex.”