Witham councillor calls to keep health services in town

A Witham councillor thinks health care services or travel provisions need to be provided if a community hospital closes.

The closure of St. Peter’s Hospital in Maldon is raising concerns for patients who will have to travel greater distances for medical care.

The 150-year-old hospital could be shut as its been deemed unfit for purpose by NHS bosses.

Witham Town Council Leader, Phil Barlow, says it could impact patients in his town who face the prospect of travelling over thirty miles away for stroke treatment and midwifery services.

He believes provisions for a new hospital building is needed, and that keeping services within the town is vital.

Councillor Phil Barlow said: “Witham relies on St Peter’s for its secondary care services. Maldon is by far the closest and the easiest to access. It's got a car park and it's got a single bus service which starts in Witham town centre and stops at the hospital.

“A lot of our GP surgeries don't offer blood tests for their patients and so what you'll find is that a large number of people go to Maldon St Peters Hospital for blood tests. They also go along there for things like X-rays, physiotherapy, services such as hearing tests and one or two specialist areas. If Maldon closes, we have a problem in accessing services.

“Witham has a health deficit problem. The public meeting, which the town council organised to have representatives of Essex Integrated Care Board talk to us about why they've come up with what they've come up with and hopefully address questions.

Another public meeting will be held next Tuesday (19 March).

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