PATIENT groups in Maldon have stated they will continue to fight for a new health hub in the town.

The Blackwater and Longfield Participation Groups have issued the statement following the news that Maldon District Council had withdrawn support for the Maldon Health Hub Project until the Mid Essex CCG can finish their outline business plan.

The statement said: “The patient representatives in Maldon will continue to work with other stakeholders to achieve the provision of the best possible health services and facilities for the people of the Maldon district.

“We will continue to hold to account those who provide, manage and maintain those services. Our only motivation is to help our residents to achieve the best possible health. This includes working to for the speediest provision of a new community health facility to replace St Peter's Hospital.

“We will work to ensure that NHS agencies take seriously their statutory duty to involve the patients in developing service and facility provision.”