THE MP for Maldon addressed the possible closure of the long-standing St Peter’s Hospital in a debate at Westminster Hall.
A public consultation regarding the future of the hospital began in January and had been due to end on March 21.
However, a two-week extension has since been granted which will now see the consultation period end in early April.
Sir John Whittingdale, who has served as Maldon’s MP since 1992, previously held a public meeting at Plume Academy which was attended by hundreds of residents.
He discussed the hospital’s situation in a debate at Westminster Hall in London.
Sir John said: “St Peter’s Hospital is 150 years old. It has been steadily deteriorating and in all the time I’ve been representing the area, we’ve been debating a replacement.
“We’ve come very close a number of times, each time, it’s never quite happened.
“It’s now reached the point where that hospital is no longer able to safely provide services in some of the areas because the original structure was not relevant.
He added: “We have been debating whether or not to refurbish it or relocate it for all these years but nothing has happened until we’ve reached this point where it is now proposed to close it and move services to other locations.
“Particularly, maternity and inpatient services to areas which are far from my constituency, in particular some of the more remote areas.
“It is an indicator of the way in which I think particularly my part of Essex has been underprovided for far too long.”
Sir John said: "I know every MP in the House of Commons will be claiming that their area needs more support.
"I think ours is the consequence of decades of underfunding.
"We have been shouting loud for too long without being heard.
"We have reached a point where something has now to change."
Proposed changes in the consultation include the locations for the provision of community hospital intermediate care, stroke rehabilitation as well as freestanding midwife-led birthing services.
The possibility of moving all other patient services at St Peter’s Hospital to other locations in and around Maldon is also being discussed.
On March 19, there will be a public consultation hearing at Maldon Town Hall intended for groups, organisations and communities to share their views.
To find out more about the wider consultation, visit: https://virtualviews.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/changes-to-services
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel