Maldon's MP of over thirty years, Sir John Whittingdale, and Witham's MP Dame Priti Patel, have recently had two meetings in connection with the Mid and South Essex ICB proposals for the future provision of services at St Peter's Hospital.

On October 14, Sir John and Dame Priti met Karin Smyth, the Minister of State for Health, alongside officials in the Department of Health.

They outlined reasons as to why the proposed loss of services and possible closure of St Peter's was "unacceptable", highlighting the potential risk of a lack of adequate essential health services for Maldon District residents. 

They also discussed the significant population growth that is taking place in the District, as well as the poor transport links in the remotest areas.

In response, the Health Minister stressed that the ICB are required to take account of future demands as a result of housing developments. (Read Now: Labour's proposed housing targets called 'unsustainable', as Maldon's annual target could increase by 97%.)

She reassured that she recognised the importance of this issue to the local community, and said that she would monitor the current review taking place and consider a further meeting once the outcome is known.

Three days later, on October 17, Sir John, accompanied by Dame Priti, once again sat down for a meeting with Tom Abell, Chief Executive of the Mid and South Essex ICB.

In this meeting they discussed the establishment of the Working Group, while welcoming the appointment of Thurrock Councillor James Halden as the Independent Chair.

They also welcomed representation in the Group of Maldon District Council and Essex County Council, as well as the Save Maldon Medical Services Campaign. 

The Group will consider how best to provide maternity services, intermediate care and outpatient services for residents, taking account of latest medical practices as well as the need for provision to remain locally based.

The Working Group hopes to ensure the final decision reflects a broad range of perspectives.

Sir John said: "I welcome the progress made in setting up the Working Group, with a view for it to conclude its work in the first half of next year.

"I have also discussed the issues to be covered with James Halden and will want to work closely with him to ensure that the Review Group remains focussed on obtaining the best outcome for residents. 

"I recognise that the Group cannot allocate extra funding but will not hesitate to press the Government if it becomes clear that this is what is required".

Dame Priti added: "Sir John and I have been crystal clear in our meetings with both the Minister and Tom Abell from the ICB that the Maldon district needs to retain its vital medical services.

"At our meetings, Sir John and I set out the history of St Peter's and the repeated pledges that have been made over 25 years to provide a new hospital. 

"We stressed that instead of cutting local provision, it is essential that the existing range of services provided in Maldon be maintained and improved, particularly given the geographic size of the Maldon district and the rapidly growing population. 

"We will continue to work closely with the Save Maldon Medical Services Campaign, the local authorities, the ICB and the Government to ensure our constituents have access to high quality and local health care facilities."

The Mid and South Essex ICS'S Consultation into community bed provision in Essex opened in January 2024, before concluding in April.

Following 5000 survey responses and four consultation hearings, the decision was made just twelve days ahead of the decision date to delay the final decision by six months, to  "allow further engagement" with the local population. 

The options in the ICB's Pre-Consultation Business Case left no option but to close Maldon's 150-year-old Community Hospital.

This move has been welcomed by members of Campaign Group Save Maldon Medical Services, with Campaign Manager Jo Phillips telling Nub News "I think we've been heard".

It is intended that the Working Group should have at least six meetings over the next six months with an interim report made available after three months.