PLANS for Maldon’s new community hospital have been given a boost after winning additional NHS funding.

St Peter’s Hospital, in Spital Road, is to be replaced or overhauled and redeveloped.

The Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group has appointed a project manager to help drive the scheme forward and oversee development.

Last week it was revealed funding had been approved to help identify the services needed in any new facility with initial plans set to go out for consultation next year.

Now the CCG have been awarded more money from NHS England.

The cash, from the Estates and Technology Transformation Fund, was revealed at the annual conference of the NHS Clinical Commissioners.

It is a multi-million pound fund, but details on funding awarded to the 300 schemes has not been revealed.

Melanie Crass, Director of Primary Care and Resilience at Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We welcome the investment in Maldon healthcare from NHS England under the Estates and Technology Transformation Fund (ETTF) and are currently reviewing exactly what further contribution it can make to plans already being implemented in the Maldon district.

“We are working closely with Maldon District Council and local healthcare teams to ensure NHS services in the area are sustainable, and match the growth and clinical needs of the local community. The ETTF investment will certainly support that work.”

The fund has already supported the completion of 560 schemes, with a further 316 nearly finished.