MALDON’s MP has called for the Health Secretary to intervene over the possible closure of the town hospital saying people have “little confidence” in the ongoing consultation.
Sir John Whittingdale has spoken in the House of Commons about the consultation for St Peter’s Hospital, in Spital Road.
It was proposed in January by health bosses the 150-year-old hospital could be closed as part of a major NHS shake-up.
A lengthy public consultation on the closure and what would subsequently happen to its services was held from January 25 for several weeks.
It was extended twice, finally ending earlier this month.
It was hoped the NHS would obtain feedback from the public who would be affected by the possible closure.
Now, Sir John spoke to other members of parliament last Tuesday, calling for intervention and claiming Maldon residents are not feeling confident about the Mid and South Essex integrated care board (ICB) plans.
He said: “The Mid and South Essex ICB has published proposals to close St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon and to relocate medical services elsewhere, despite the huge growth taking place in the town.
“I have to say to the Secretary of State that my constituents have little confidence in the consultation.
“Will she therefore look closely at the outcome and, if necessary, intervene to ensure that my constituents are still able to access vital health services within the town?”
MP Victoria Atkins, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, replied to Mr Whittingdale’s question, claiming more than 5,000 “local people and staff” responded to the consultation.
She said: “Their feedback will be analysed by an independent research agency, which will produce a report for the Mid and South Essex ICB.
“A meeting is due to take place in public in July, I will, of course, continue to take an interest in this matter.”
The MP has also been working alongside Witham MP Dame Priti Patel, with the potential closure affecting Witham and other nearby areas as well.
The pair are hoping for a health facility to be set up off Wycke Hill because of the potential St Peter’s Hospital Closure.
Dame Patel said: “The plans by the NHS to close St Peters is causing widespread alarm and concern and for rural communities.
“This will mean having to travel further to receive important health treatments and access appointments and services.”.
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