Doctors have criticised a new ratings system and the lack of investment in the NHS.
The Care Quality Commission, which inspects surgeries, released 'intelligent monitoring' reports for all 7,661 surgeries in England last week.
It rated them from one to six, with one being the most at risk of giving poor care, based on how they meet 38 key indicators.
Dr Bryan Spencer, of Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery, which was rated one, said: "I would like it to be made clear that the issues are being addressed."
He said staff work in very difficult and demanding jobs under extreme pressure and the NHS was a "fantastic" system despite "dwindling resources and burgeoning demands."
Dr William Littler of Castle Surgery in Castle Hedingham , which was rated four, said: "The scores are often a reflection of what NHS England and the Government have decided is important for GPs to be doing.
"These aims are often ill conceived and designed to create votes rather than cure a medical problem."
* Full story in this week's Halstead Gazette.
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