MALDON District Council has said ‘vital health services must not leave the district’ as the decision over the future of the town hospital is just weeks away.

On September 30, an extraordinary board meeting will be held by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), during which it will discuss the decision to shut St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon.

Health bosses revealed potential plans to relocate services at the 150-year-old hospital in Maldon earlier this year.

A public consultation was launched by the NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, which saw more than 5,400 people take part and “widespread objection” to the plans.

During a recent meeting between Essex County Council (ECC), politicians, NHS and council staff, the “infrastructure challenges” in the Maldon district were discussed, and concerns were raised by the Save Maldon Medical Services group.

Maldon District Council leader Richard Siddall said: “Future infrastructure that needs to be delivered by ECC in the district is a priority for Maldon District Council.

“The severe lack of infrastructure needs addressing. At the same time, the risk of St Peter’s Hospital’s potential closure is a serious concern.

“The Mid and South Essex ICB ran a consultation earlier this year on community hospital and patient services, and the council responded with its concerns, echoing residents’ views on St Peter’s hospital, stating its dismay as to how such a vital building and valued community facility could be allowed to fall into disrepair.

“It was at this point the council stopped engaging with the NHS on the matter, to ensure that a full and thorough consultation was carried out.”

Mr Siddall also stressed there are “absolutely no plans2 to move any services from ECC or the NHS to the Maldon District Council estate.

“The NHS consultation report showed that residents have suggested a range of alternative options within the district, and some of these included the council office.

 “The library is not moving to our office, and we will not be moving any services into their premises,” he said.

“I along with other councillors will not facilitate anything negative for the district.

“A report will be presented at Full Council on Thursday evening to set out the current situation, and the discussions we need to have to ensure vital services remain in the district and the infrastructure is delivered.

“Whatever the long-term outcome for St Peter’s hospital, we cannot see health services leave Maldon and we must do all we can to prevent this from happening.”