MALDON’s MP is calling for a "full independent examination" of the future of medical services in the Maldon district following what he called a "flawed" consultation.
MP Sir John Whittingdale has spoken to the Maldon and Burnham Standard about the consultation around St Peter’s Hospital, in Spital Road, which health bosses could close as part of an NHS shake-up.
That would see services to be moved elsewhere – leaving Maldon and surrounding residents without easy access to some care.
Sir John recently spoke in the House of Commons asking for the Health Secretary to intervene over the possible closure, and said people have “little confidence” in the consultation, which ended in early April.
According to the MP, the analysis of the consultation, which received feedback from more than 5,000 people, will be conducted in May.
A decision will then be made in July by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Sir John said: “I am pleased to learn that so many of my constituents have responded to the consultation either directly or via my own survey.
“I have no doubt that this will show the overwhelming level of opposition locally to the possible closure of St Peter’s and loss of medical services from the town.
“However, while we await its findings, I believe that the consultation was flawed and that the proposals take no account of important factors such as the large increase in the local population and the geographical remoteness of many villages in the district.
“I believe that there needs to be a full independent examination of the future provision of medical services in the Maldon district and will continue to press for this to be established before any decisions are taken.”
Sir John and Witham MP Dame Priti Patel met with the Save Maldon's Medical Services campaign earlier this month and will be meeting the group again in three weeks’ time.
Sir John said: “I will continue to work with the Save Maldon’s Medical Services campaign group to explore how we can continue to demonstrate the strength of feeling across the Maldon district and beyond.”
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