The MP for Maldon has voiced his support for saving a community hospital from closure.
Sir John Whittingdale commended the working group's report, published on March 27, which scrutinised the proposed changes to community hospital services and the potential closure of St Peter's Hospital.
NHS Mid and South Essex made a “grave error” in not planning a new medical centre for Maldon, as part of a major shake up of services across Essex, according to a review.
Health care bosses proposed closing St Peter’s Hospital in the town and relocating stroke hospital beds and maternity services to other sites in Essex.
Sir John said: "I strongly support the conclusion of the report that the initial proposals of the ICB were flawed and, if implemented, would have significantly reduced the availability and quality of health care for residents of the Maldon district and beyond."
The working group's report also suggested investment in the current facilities to maintain outpatient services at St Peter's for the next five years and called for the identification of capital funding for a new, purpose-built facility on part of the existing site.
Sir John said: "I very much welcome the recommendation that instead there should be investment in the existing facilities to allow outpatient services be maintained at St Peter’s for the next five years and that during that time capital funding be identified for a new purpose-built facility on part of the existing site."
He expressed gratitude to the chair of the group, James Halden, and members of the Save Maldon Medical Services Group, for their hard work and valuable input.
Following the report's publication, Sir John and Dame Priti Patel met with Tom Abell, chief executive of the Mid and South Essex ICB, to discuss the next steps.
This will involve a survey of the existing building, to identify necessary maintenance work, which is expected to conclude in the next few weeks.
The ICB will then consider the report's recommendations for long-term service provision at a board meeting in June or July.
Sir John said: "The report represents real progress towards establishing the new health facility in Maldon which has been promised for 20 years and which is so badly needed.
"There is still a long way to go and obtaining the necessary funding will be a major challenge.
"However, I and Dame Priti will continue to work with the local community, the district council and the ICB to make it happen."
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