Maldon Town Council on possible St Peter's Hospital closure

It has been reported that St Peter’s Hospital in Spital Road, could potentially be sold for up to £6.2million.

The Victorian hospital is about 150 years old and changes were previously mooted in August 2023.

This included the proposed relocation of inpatient community services for stroke rehabilitation, intermediate care, and midwifery-led births.

Meanwhile, temporary service changes have already taken place, such as transferring 16 rehabilitation beds to the Bayman ward at Brentwood Community Hospital.

A spokesman from Maldon Town Council said: “The council has been keeping abreast of the proposed changes to community hospital services, with particular attention to the potential relocation of services provided at St Peter’s Hospital, to other alternative location(s). 

Historic - The hospital is about 150 years old (Image: Newsquest)

“We are aware that the proposals were discussed at the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board meeting on Thursday January 18, which included provision for a consultation hearing to be held in Maldon town. 

“Maldon Town Council would respond to any consultation as a consultee.

“At this present time, there are no planned consultation events at Maldon Town Hall. 

“It is important to us that residents and service users are provided an opportunity to give their feedback on where and how services could be delivered locally, and we shall disseminate information as it becomes publicly available.”

Health bosses were due to meet to make a decision on the hospital’s future.

Pre-consultation papers said St Peter’s birthing unit was left in an “unsatisfactory state” following the temporary transfer of the 16 rehabilitation beds.

It was therefore decided to transfer the birthing unit to the WJC Unit St Michael’s Health Centre, adjacent to the Braintree Community Hospital, which has two delivery rooms and a birthing pool.

Maldon’s MP Sir John Whittingdale said he had been assured the changes were “temporary in nature” and was “extremely disappointed” to learn of the proposals to make them permanent.

Having first been built as a workhouse in the 1870s, the facility later became the Maldon Institute before joining the NHS as St Peter’s Hospital in 1948.