Basildon and Thurrock residents encouraged to have their say services ahead of St Peter's Hospital closure
The services could be spread across parts of the county when the hospital closes
NHS Mid and South Essex (MSE) are encouraging residents in Basildon and Thurrock to have their say on the proposed changes to NHS services, following the announcement of closure of St Peter's Hospital in Maldon.
Proposals include;
● Potential changes to the places where some community hospital intermediate care and stroke rehabilitation services are provided,
● Making permanent the temporary move of the freestanding midwife-led birthing unit from St Peter’s Hospital to, Maldon to the William Julien Courtauld Unit at St Michael’s, Braintree.
● The possibility of moving all other patient services at St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon to other locations, mostly in and around Maldon.
The proposals are under consideration, and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) is inviting residents to voice their opinions, with a series of events taking place in the coming weeks.
On Monday (February 5), representatives from the NHS MSE will be at the Happy Hub in Basildon on Monday 5 February from 2.30pm to share information, answer questions and gather views from residents.
From 6pm, they'll be at the Beehive Centre in Grays, for the same purpose. Registration for these events can be found online.
“It’s important we involve people in any decisions that might affect them."
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Interim System Medical Director for NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “Our doctors, nurses, therapists and other staff want to make sure that they can provide the best possible care.
“Our clinical teams have been developing different proposals around these services so that we can openly share information through a wide public consultation.
“It’s important we involve people in any decisions that might affect them. Attending the Beehive Centre in Grays will be an opportunity for us to find out more about proposals and hear the views and experiences of people that use the NHS services we are consulting on.
“We are keen to explain to local people the challenges we have been facing, and the different ways we think we could make services better.”
More information about the consultation, proposals and plans can be found here.