Maldon MP criticises survey into St Peter's Hospital future

A public consultation is ongoing which could see services at the community hospital moved further afield to Broomfield and Braintree.

Sir John Whittingdale, who has served as Maldon’s MP since 1992, said he is “very much aware” of his constituents’ feelings towards the proposals.

The consultation runs until March 21 and Sir John said he hopes those affected will give their views.

But he expressed concerns over questions in an existing NHS survey regarding St Peter’s.

Facility - St Peter's Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

Sir John said: “I am concerned that the official questionnaire contains some questions which are of no relevance while others do not allow the detailed comments which many want to submit. 

“As there was not due to be a consultation meeting in Maldon, I organised one to allow residents to hear directly from representatives of the NHS. 

“Although I arranged to hold this in the largest available venue and some 400 attended, I am sorry that another 100 people were unable to get in.”

Sir John is now sending out his own survey and is encouraging residents to respond so their views will be heard.

He said he has received assurances from the chief executive of the integrated care board, which is running the official consultation, that answers received from constituents will be taken into account.

Current proposals are that intermediate care beds and stroke rehabilitation beds at St Peter’s would be relocated and the midwife-led birthing unit will be based at Braintree.  

Outpatient services currently provided at St Peter’s would be provided from other locations in the town and St Peter’s would be permanently closed. 

Sir John said: “There can be no doubt that the loss of essential medical services such as maternity, outpatients, and stroke facilities from the town will make it far harder for many members of our community to access critical healthcare services.

“In particular, those needing maternity, stroke rehabilitation and intermediate care services and their families will face much longer travelling times. 

“ I do welcome the assurance that I have been given that outpatient services will continue at St Peter’s until alternative local provision is up and running. 

“However, I know that many want to see them kept at St Peter’s.”