Maldon residents have hit back at plans to move St Peter's Hospital services to other sites across Essex.

The proposal by the local NHS Foundation Trust involves relocating services from the hospital to other sites. 

This would result in the permanent closure of the 150-year-old hospital.

Sandra Elliott, 79, from Southminster, told Nub News that it "frightens" her that her nearest hospital could become fifteen miles further away: "My concern is that I'm coming up to 80 so I won't be able to drive that much longer.

"If I couldn't drive, it would take me hours to get to Broomfield Hospital by bus. 

"They're building a new crematorium nearby, and my thought is we'll need that after this."

By bus, the journey from Sandra's home to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford would take over an hour longer than if travelling to the current site.

Graphic outlining the NHS Foundation Trust proposals

One resident, Ann, also described the proximity of the blood test services at St Peter's as her "lifeline" as a working carer for her mother.

The NHS Foundation Trust say changes are needed to ensure the NHS can continue to meet local demand across Essex.

Dr Matthew Sweeting, System Medical Director at NHS Mid and South Essex told Nub News: "We would like to provide reassurance that the proposals set out a clear commitment to make sure services at St Peter's Hospital that are used frequently by local residents, such as blood testing and the majority of outpatient appointments, stay local."  

He adds: "We remain committed to working with local people to develop our plans. With three weeks left until the consultation closes, we encourage people to share their views on our proposals, including the impact on travel."

You can respond to the consultation here.