MALDON MP Sir John Whittingdale and Priti Patel, MP for Witham, met recently with representatives of the Save Maldon Medical Services group to discuss the next stage in the campaign to maintain services at St Peter's Hospital following the recent decisions made by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how best to address the need both to improve primary care services in Maldon and Heybridge and to provide a replacement health hub on the St Peter's site.

The meeting followed the ICB's July 2025 decision to retain outpatient services at St Peter's Hospital for up to five years whilst a permanent new medical hub is planned.

However, the ICB also confirmed the relocation of the birthing unit to Braintree and the transfer of stroke rehabilitation beds to Rochford and Brentwood.

The group have written to Tom Abell, the Chief Executive of Mid and South Essex ICB, to discuss the next stages for the ICB and the steps taken to maintain delivery of service for outpatients.

Speaking after the meeting, Priti Patel said: "I was pleased to meet campaigners and councillors to discuss the latest position on St Peter's Hospital.

"Local people have campaigned tirelessly to retain medical services, and their hard work has secured important commitments to keep outpatient services in place in the short term.

"There is still uncertainty over the long-term plans, and I will continue to press the ICB to protect local access to healthcare, accelerate decisions on the replacement hub, and ensure that residents remain fully represented in future planning."

From left: Cllr Andrew Lay, Cllr Tony Fittock, Dame Priti Patel MP, Cllr Nick Spenceley, Jo Phillips, Cllr Paula Spenceley, Sir John Whittingdale MP, Kerry Williams and Steve Rogers.

Sir John said: "The decision of the ICB to drop the proposal to close St Peter's Hospital was fantastic news and was only achieved due to the strength of the local campaign.

"I congratulate Jo Phillips and her team and look forward to continuing to work closely with them.

"The priority now must be to move ahead with plans for the proposed replacement health hub and in the meantime to ensure that St Peter's continues to provide the full range of outpatient services.

"This needs to take place rapidly and we will therefore be asking the Chief Executive of the ICB for a meeting with the group in order to agree a clear action plan going forward. We will also look to involve local health providers, the Town and District Councils and other community groups."