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On Friday 30 August, a meeting held by Essex County Council brought local politicians, NHS, and Council staff together to discuss the infrastructure challenges in the Maldon District and this has raised concerns from the Save Maldon Medical Services group.

The leader of Maldon District Council, Cllr Richard Siddall, said: “Future infrastructure that needs to be delivered by ECC in the district is a priority for Maldon District Council. The severe lack of infrastructure needs addressing. At the same time, the risk of St Peter’s hospital’s potential closure is a serious concern.

“The Mid and South Essex ICB ran a consultation earlier this year on community hospital and patient services, and the Council responded with its concerns, echoing residents’ views on St Peter’s hospital, stating its dismay as to how such a vital building and valued community facility could be allowed to fall into disrepair.

“It was at this point the Council stopped engaging with the NHS on the matter, to ensure that a full and thorough consultation was carried out. The NHS consultation report showed that residents have suggested a range of alternative options within the district, and some of these included the Council Office.

“It is very important that the Council attends meetings to protect the district from losing its health services. There are absolutely no plans to move any services either from ECC or the NHS into MDC estate. I personally will not support any changes until we get guarantees from the NHS about what they plan to deliver, in the long term. The library is not moving to our office, and we will not be moving any services into their premises. I along with other councillors will not facilitate anything negative for the District.

“A report will be presented at Full Council on Thursday evening to set out the current situation, and the discussions we need to have to ensure vital services remain in the district and the infrastructure is delivered.

“The Council is waiting to hear what the viable options are from the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board and NHS England; their extraordinary board meeting to discuss options, takes place on 30th September at Chelmsford Civic Offices (Council Chamber),at 2pm and residents can attend. I will also be meeting with the new Chief Executive of NHS Mid and South Essex, Tom Abell to ensure they provide long term solutions for the district.

“I need to reiterate there have been no decisions to move any services and Maldon District Council has not agreed anything with Essex County Council or the NHS. Any future decisions on how the Council’s estate operates will be brought to Full Council. I along with all other members will act in the interests of residents and will oppose anything that we see as detrimental to delivery of services in the district.

“Whatever the long-term outcome for St Peter’s hospital, we cannot see health services leave Maldon and we must do all we can to prevent this from happening.”

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Notes to editors:

How to register for MSE NHS ICB board meeting, Monday 30th September:
Extraordinary Mid and South Essex ICB Board meeting - Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ics.nhs.uk)