Maldon MP Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale has released a new survey to residents following concerns with the official NHS Mid and South Essex consultation questionnaire.

In an update published on the Tory MPs website on March 5, a spokesperson for Whittingdale suggests that parts of the official consultation questionnaire 'bare no relevance' and "does not allow local people to give sufficiently detailed responses".

The update then outlines Sir John Whittingdale's decision to run his own survey, with the assurance of local NHS leaders that responses will be taken into consideration.

He said: "I am very much aware of the strength of feeling among many of my constituents about the proposed closure of St Peter's Hospital.

"There can be no doubt that the loss of essential medical services such as maternity, outpatients, and stroke facilities from the town will make it far harder for many members of the Maldon community to access critical healthcare services. 

"In particular, those needing maternity, stroke rehabilitation and intermediate care services and their families will face much longer travelling times."

He added: "I have received reassurance from the Chief executive of the Integrated Care Board, which is running the official consultation, that any answers I receive from constituents will be taken into account."

The consultation process will run until March 21. 

Delivery of the survey to homes will start in the coming weeks, but Sir John is encouraging constituents to send him responses to the following questions:

1.   Are you aware of the proposal to close the existing maternity, stroke and outpatient facilities at St. Peter's Hospital? Yes/No

2.   How often have you or your family members utilized services at St. Peter's Hospital? And how?

3.   Which services should continue to be provided in Maldon? Do you have any comment on the reason for your answer.

4.   If you or a member of your family needed maternity services, would you wish to use a midwife-led unit in Maldon? Yes/No

5.   If you or a family member needed intermediate care or stroke rehabilitation, would you want this to be provided in Maldon? Yes/No

6.   Should outpatient services continue to be made available on the St Peter's site or could they be relocated to another repurposed site in the town?

7.   Would you like to add any further comments? 

You should return responses to Sir John Whittingdale by any of the following means:

By post to: Sir John Whittingdale MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

By hand to: 19 High Street, Maldon, CM9 7ET

By email to: [email protected]