Maldon MP calls for Government support for new hospital
The 150-year-old hospital could be shut as its been deemed unfit for purpose by NHS bosses.
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
A politician in Essex is calling for government support to open a new hospital in a local town.
The closure of St. Peter’s Hospital in Maldon is raising concerns for patients who will have to travel greater distances for medical care.
It is said to be an issue of huge importance to local residents who believe it is essential that services continue to be available in the town.
Maldon MP John Whittingdale will be taking the debate to the House of Commons later today (14 March) to discuss the future of St Peter’s.
He has received over 500 responses from constituents giving their views on the future provision of medical services currently provided at the hospital.
MP John Whittingdale said: "St Peter's Hospital is a much-loved feature in the town, but it is very old. The building has deteriorated, and we have been discussing a potential alternative replacement for many years. Unfortunately, every time we come close to agreeing on a location for a new building, it hasn't actually happened. In the meantime, the building has been getting worse.
"Inpatient facilities, like maternity services and rehabilitation and stroke beds, can no longer be maintained and therefore they're looking to relocate them elsewhere. The outpatient services, which the vast majority of people living locally access, will also be relocated elsewhere."
He continued: "The immediate priority is to make sure that the outpatient services, like blood tests and x-rays, continue to be provided in Maldon. That is something that the NHS have said will happen and that they will continue to be made available at St Peter’s until an alternative location is found. But given the growth taking place in Maldon, what we need is all of the facilities currently at St Peter's to continue to be available, and preferably in a new hospital.
"I will be pressing the government to also provide support in order to do that. I’m already in discussion with the NHS, but obviously there are funding issues and we will ultimately need support of government."
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.