RESIDENTS in the Maldon district have extra time in a public consultation on the future of a long-standing hospital.
An eight week public consultation regarding the future of 150-year-old St Peter’s Hospital began on January 25.
The hospital faces possible closure in a major NHS shake-up.
Although the consultation period was due to end on March 21, NHS Mid and South Essex has announced a two week extension.
This means the consultation will now run until Thursday, April 4.
Health bosses hope the extended time will help gain more public insight and feedback to the consultation proposals.
The proposals include potential changes to the places where some community hospital intermediate care and stroke rehabilitation services are provided.
In particular, services provided at the Cumberledge Intermediate Care Centre in Rochford and Brentwood Community Hospital.
Another proposal is 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 consultation also presents the proposal of moving all other patient services at St Peter’s Hospital to other locations in and around the Maldon district.
A spokesman said: “Changes are being considered to help increase the number of beds available in the community to support people who need specialist stroke rehabilitation and provide a good environment for modern health services.”
Almost 3,000 people are said to have already completed the online survey since the consultation launched.
Carolyne Dawson, stroke matron in mid and south Essex, said: “Providing feedback helps us understand how any changes made could affect you, your family, your loved ones or someone who you are caring for.
“Your views will help make sure that we can provide the right care and support for residents in mid and south Essex.
“We need to think about how we can best serve our growing population now and in the future.
“We are committed to working with local people to develop our plans and make sure key services remain local”.
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