A SHAKE-UP to A&E services in mid Essex must be transparent and realistic, a leading medical trade union has said.

Plans by the Mid and South Essex Success Regime could see one of three hospitals having a full 24-hour emergency service.

This could be at either Basildon, Southend or Broomfield hospitals, with the two remaining hospitals’ services scaled back.

Dr Mark Porter, chairman of council at the British Medical Association, has called for the plans to be transparent.

It comes as a study by the association found two thirds of doctors across the country have not been consulted on plans to change healthcare services.

Dr Porter, said: “With the publication of the sustainability and transformation plans in Mid and South Essex due to be released shortly, it is worrying findings from a recent BMA survey reveal more than two thirds of doctors say they have not been consulted on the plans despite assurances from ministers.”

Dr Anita Donley OBE, chairman of the Mid and South Essex Success Regime, said the plan has been developed by local clinicians with the involvement of service users.