RESIDENTS now have an extended chance to weigh in on the future of 150-year-old hospital which is set to close.
The NHS Mid and South Essex Trust has extended its public consultation from March 21 until April 4.
This is in an effort to collect more views on many hospital services which are set to be transferred elsewhere.
As a consultation, the NHS is looking for more feedback on the proposals in connection to the closure of St Peter’s Hospital, in Spital Road, Maldon.
Possible changes to care at Cumberledge Intermediate Care Centre (CICC) in Rochford and Brentwood Community Hospital, are also being looked at.
NHS bosses announced in January it would be closing St Peter’s Hospital and the latest proposal is to move its freestanding midwife-led birthing unit to the William Julien Courtauld Unit at St Michael’s, Braintree.
In connection to St Peter’s Hospital, it is also proposed all other patient services that were located there could be moved to other locations in and around the Maldon district.
After the consultation originally began on January 25, the online survey has received a large response from more than 2,500 people, whilst engagement has been high at public consultation meetings across the county.
Carolyne Dawson, Stroke Matron at the CICC in Rochford said: “Providing feedback helps us understand how any changes made could affect you, your family, your loved ones, or someone who you are caring for.
“Your views will help make sure that we can provide the right care and support for residents in mid and south Essex.
“We need to think about how we can best serve our growing population now, and in the future.
“We are committed to working with local people to develop our plans and make sure key services remain local.”
To become active in the consultation process visit tinyurl.com/bdce7dw8.
You can also email the Trust at mseics.getinvolved@nhs.net or phone 01268 594350.
All responses and feedback will be analysed and reported by an independent organisation and a report published that considers the proposals.
The ICB plans to consider the proposals in the context of all the feedback received from the public, organisations, and staff over the summer of 2024.
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