Local MP, Sir John Whittingdale, announces plans for a public meeting in February regarding the proposed closure of St Peter's Hospital.

The public meeting will be held on February 9 at 7.00 pm, in the Stage Hall at the Plume Academy in Maldon.

The meeting follows a proposal by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board to relocate Maldon's hospital's beds and ambulatory services to other sites. 

The news was met with concern from members of the public, with the relocation of the birthing unit meaning expectant parents may have to drive an extra 16 miles (26km) to the birthing unit in Braintree or 15 miles (24km) to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

Local MP for the Maldon District, Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale told Nub News: "I am very much aware of the strong feelings in Maldon and the District as a whole about the proposed closure of St Peter's Hospital and the relocation of the services currently provided there. 

"Before any final decision is taken, there is a public consultation being run by the Integrated Care Board from 25th January to 21st March and they are arranging an all-day drop-in session as well as a number of other public engagements.

However, I believe that it is essential that local residents are able to attend a public meeting at which they can hear the details of what is proposed and have the opportunity to express their views directly to those responsible. I have therefore arranged, in conjunction with the Mayor, Cllr Andrew Lay, and Maldon Town Council, to hold a public meeting in Maldon."

Sir John adds : "I would encourage all those with an interest in the future of healthcare in the District to attend and also to respond to the public consultation. I will give further details of the meeting nearer the time."

The meeting will be attended by the MP, as well as Tracy Dowling, Chief Executive of the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board and other NHS Representatives. 

Maldon Mayor, Cllr Andrew Lay, will chair the meeting.

In a statement to the press, Maldon Town Council said: "The Council has been keeping abreast of proposed changes to community hospital services, with particular attention to the potential relocation of services provided at St Peter's Hospital, to alternative location(s)".

It adds: "It is important to us that residents and service users are provided an opportunity to give their feedback on where and how services could be delivered locally."

An eight-week public consultation on the proposed changes will include a survey on the MSE website, face-to-face discussions in Burnham, Thurrock, Southend, Chelmsford, Basildon, and online discussion sessions.