RESIDENTS were given the chance to discuss the process of choosing where the county’s specialist surgical urology unit will be based.

Representatives from NHS England turned out at Colchester Library, on Trinity Square, to speak to residents regarding the changes which could see people have make a 100-mile round trip to Southend for specialist surgery.

Pam Evans from NHS Specialised Services Commissioning said whatever happens, at least some of the services would be available at Colchester General Hospital.

She said: “Diagnosis and local treatment would still be available at Colchester.

“Consultants contributed to the model which we have put together and agree having one specialist centre is best. The argument is where it should be.

“The school of thought is we could attract more doctors and staff who would want to work in more specialist centres.”

The Gazette launched a campaign to have urology services kept in Colchester which gathered more than 8,000 signatures before being presented at 10 Downing Street.

Three options for the future of urology have been presented for Colchester, Southend and an unnamed third option.

More detailed consultations are expected to take place later this year.