Maldon's MP insists a privately built hospital on a new site in the town would still be the best option, as talks over a proposed part-refurb continue to stall.

NHS North Essex identified a part-extension and part-refurb of the existing St Peter’s Hospital site, in Spital Road, as its preferred option in February.

The cluster board approved had hoped to have its outline business case sanctioned by NHS Midlands and East strategic health authority by September.

That has yet to happen, while the sweeping NHS reform comes into force in April.

But Maldon MP John Whittingdale, who met with frustrated campaigner Tom Kelly on Saturday, insisted it was not too late for proposals put forward by private developers to be considered.

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