Maldon: Former mayor calls for St Peter's to stay open

The long-standing hospital could close in a major NHS shake-up.

A public consultation for the NHS to gauge the public’s views on proposed changes to the hospital is ongoing.

It could see services at the community hospital moved further afield to Broomfield and Braintree.

The consultation began on January 25 and will end on March 21.

A possible outcome could see the 150-year-old site close.

Stephen Savage, who served as the town’s mayor between 2011 and 2012, said he and family members have used St Peter’s for services including eye treatment and examination, blood tests, hearing loss and x-rays.

He said: “Outpatient Services should be continued on site at St Peter’s.

“Failure to maintain a building is no reason to close it.”

Mr Savage said he attended “several meetings”, including some public, for a replacement hospital in Limebrook Way about two decades ago.

He said: “It initially had the mental health unit as well. The first patients should have been using this facility in 2004/5.”

“This group was led by Sheila Bremner.”

Mr Savage said frequency to St Peter’s has increased due to higher GP referrals than before.

He also said people would have to travel long distances to access health services if some of the proposals go ahead.

He said: "The reason is that we rely on public transport to access any services outside Maldon. 

“Public transport to Chelmsford is reasonable, but further takes almost all day and can be subject to interruption without notice. 

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

“Braintree is a disaster - far too far."

The next consultation event over St Peter’s is taking place on March 19 at Maldon Town Hall.

It will be run from 2pm to 7.45pm and will also be live streamed on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person.

To find out more about the proposals, click here.