MALDON residents came together at a meeting at the Town Hall as the ongoing public consultation concerning St Peter’s Hospital continues.
The 150-year-old hospital faces potential closure in a major NHS shake-up.
Since the consultation was announced, action groups such as Save Maldon's Medical Services have opposed the plans.
Multiple sessions were held at Maldon Town Hall on March 19, while also being livestreamed online.
In one session, retired engineer and Maldon resident Steve Rogers addressed the assembled panel, which included Dr Matthew Sweeting, interim medical director of NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Mr Rogers said: “In community based care, there is more time to support people through rehabilitation and enable them to meet their personal outcomes.
“I can’t stress that strongly enough, considering the demographic of the Dengie peninsula and Maldon.”
Mr Rogers also addressed staff shortages in the NHS and community care, describing these as "complex".
He said: “I don’t believe you can lay the shortage of staff on the NHS at the feet of St Peter’s.”
Mr Rogers stated that “nothing in the consultation" considered anything other than closure for the St Peter’s site and said the site had been given to the people of Maldon before being transferred to the NHS.
He added: “It’s in a prime location with good access, currently 8000 square metres.”
Sara Poole, information and guidance officer at Healthwatch Essex also addressed the panel, presenting views and feedback given to the charity by members of the public.
She said: “Numerous residents we have spoken to had concerns regarding the general access to hospital care across Maldon and the Dengie peninsula.
“The general feeling is that it is already difficult for some to access Broomfield Hospital due to the distance, difficult public transport links and lack of parking at the hospital”.
She added there had been “major concern” voiced by the prospect of moving stroke rehabilitation beds away from the Maldon area.
Peter Blackman, spokesman and chairman for South Woodham Ferrers Health and Social Care Group, highlighted the importance of Cherry Trees Therapy Centre which is on the St Peter’s site.
He said: "Cherry Trees is very important and must be remembered because of the mental health services and the memory clinic services that are provided there".
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