CAMPAIGNERS fighting the potential closure of a longstanding community hospital in Maldon held a protest event outside the building.

The future of services being provided at 150-year-old St Peter’s Hospital, in Spital Road, is under discussion in an ongoing public consultation.

The idea to hold the “Shine a Light on St Peter’s Hospital” event came from the Save Maldon’s Medical Services Facebook page.

It is co-ordinated by residents Michelle Olley, Jo Phillips and Kerry Williams.

The group has been distributing leaflets in a bid to raise awareness of the public consultation survey.

They advertised their event as far and wide as possible.

In total, 750 members of the general public arrived, including couples, families and councillors from the area.

They each had torches and created a "circle of light" at the hospital.

They also live-streamed the event on TikTok and Facebook Live, with more than 2,500 virtual viewers.

Everyone in attendance cheered and clapped the services and staff at St Peter’s Hospital.

A spokesman for Save Maldon’s Medical Services said all who attended signed their survey opposing the closure and removal of community beds and critical services in the Maldon district.

They said: “St Peter's provides care way beyond our Maldon district with patients travelling in from parts of the Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford districts for outpatient appointments, diagnostics and until recently, to visit their loved ones in maternity and the brilliant stroke and rehabilitation unit. 

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Turnout - More than 700 people attended the busy event in personTurnout - More than 700 people attended the busy event in person (Image: Save Maldon's Medical Services)

“We have been out in the community meeting the public over the last few weeks as the Mid and South Essex ICB trust consultation survey is only available online and has not been sent to each household.”

They added the “vast majority” of people were unaware of the consultation survey and many residents have no presence online.

To remedy this, they have been handing out paper surveys.

The spokesman said: “The lack of accessibility has been the greatest failure in this process. Not only in response but if the closure and sale goes through, most residents will not reach appointments in Rochford and Brentwood, or be able to visit loved ones, or be even able to get home on public transport. 

“Many bus services terminate before the clinics or department lists finish.”