The NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (MSEICB) has announced a six-month delay in the final decision-making regarding the reconfiguration of community hospital beds, a midwife-led birthing unit and ambulatory care services.  

The decision follows an extensive public consultation, where feedback was gathered from patients, staff, and the wider community.  

The Care Board say the delay aims to allow further engagement to ensure the final decision is "fully informed and aligns with the needs of the local population."

Tom Abell, Chief Executive Officer of Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, said; "Since I came into post last month, I've been reviewing some of the decisions…  

"While much work has been done, including significant input from our local communities, it is clear to me that more time is needed to thoroughly explore and evaluate the suggestions provided by the public and stakeholders. 

"This additional time will enable us to work with partners and local communities to develop comprehensive solutions that best meet the needs of our communities and make the best use of taxpayers money." 

The ICB plans to establish an independently chaired working group to look into viable options in detail, including the long-term future of services provided at St Peter's Hospital.

The ICB say this group will include representatives from the NHS, local authorities, community organisations, and key stakeholders.  

The working group will focus on: 

• Reviewing feedback: Further analysing the input received during the consultation to explore feasible options for reconfiguring community beds, a midwife-led birthing unit and ambulatory services. 
• Community and stakeholder engagement: Engaging with stakeholders to co-develop viable solutions that meet local healthcare needs. 
• Providing recommendations: After the six-month engagement period, the working group will present its recommendations to NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) for consideration. 

A special decision-making board meeting was due to be held on 30 September 2024 but will now be postponed enabling the working group to complete its review. 

Those who registered to attend the event have now been informed of the postponement via email.

The delay means there will be no immediate changes to the existing provision of community hospital beds, midwife-led birthing or ambulatory care services. All current services will continue as they are while the engagement process is ongoing. 

This all comes after Maldon MP, Sir John Whittingdale, as well as members of the campaign group Save Maldon's Medical Services, met with the new MSE ICB Chief Executive to discuss the consultation at the beginning of September.

Over 5000 responded to the consultation, which threatened to close Maldon's 150-year-old community hospital.

Many residents hit-back against the plans, with 92% of respondents to the consultation describing the removal of the community hospital in Maldon as a "bad or very bad" idea.

The working group will begin in the coming weeks. For more information and to receive updates, please visit the MSE ICB Virtual Views website.