A PUBLIC consultation on the future of services at Maldon's hospital has been extended for a second time.

The 150-year-old St Peter’s Hospital, in Spital Road, faces possible closure in a major NHS shake-up.

Proposals in the public consultation, which began in January, would see stroke rehabilitation beds and the midwife-led birthing unit being permanently removed from Maldon, if approved.

Other services provided by St Peter’s would be moved elsewhere around Maldon as well as in Braintree.

Having launched on January 25, the consultation was originally due to end on March 21, but was extended to April 4.

It has now been extended by a further week to midnight on April 11.

A spokesman for Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board said: “The four-day Easter break has impacted the ability of NHS Mid and South Essex to respond to some of the queries it has received about the ongoing NHS public consultation, and some residents have asked for more time for people to submit their responses.

 “To make sure that everyone who wishes to can consider the published information and respond, the consultation period will therefore be extended to Thursday, April 11.

 “We encourage all interested parties to take advantage of this extended period to share their feedback, thoughts, and recommendations.

"Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of NHS services.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Campaigners - Save Maldon's Medical Services have been an outspoken voice during the public consultationCampaigners - Save Maldon's Medical Services have been an outspoken voice during the public consultation (Image: Public)Campaign group Save Maldon’s Medical Services have opposed the proposals.

Protests included a vigil outside St Peter’s Hospita. 

Group member Michelle Olley said: “Any extra time the public have got to complete the survey or send in evidence is very welcome. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity - the consultation period was very short to start with. It’s a shame it wasn’t a long consultation from the outset. 

“Having it in bite-size chunks doesn't send the right message.

“I think it’s a great opportunity from our perspective, because we can continue to campaign and send out our message. 

“It allows us more time to go forward, get out there even more and spread the message far and wide. It allows us a further week of campaigning. They’ve given us a little more time.”