The two MPs representing the Maldon District, Priti Patel MP and Sir John Whittingdale MP, have met representatives from the Save Maldon Medical Services group, the local campaign group opposing the proposals relating to St Peter’s Hospital.
Both Priti and John have been working to retain local medical services in the Maldon District. They have raised the issue in Parliament on multiple occasions, and are continuing to press Government Ministers on the proposals of the Mid and South Essex ICB to relocate services from St Peter’s Hospital which will result in the eventual closure of the hospital.
During the meeting, representatives from the Save Maldon Medical Services group raised their clear concerns about the consultation process which recently closed, and thanked Priti and John for their help in securing the extension of the consultation period and obtaining as many responses as possible. Priti and John reiterated their determination to ensure that medical services remain in Maldon, shared the concerns of the Group about the handlining of the consultation and discussed the need for a long term plan to secure a new health facility in Maldon.
Following the meeting Priti said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the Save Maldon Medical Services group. Sir John and I are grateful to them for the way in which they have been pressing the ICB, questioning the flawed consultation and also for the awareness they have helped to raise within the District of this issue. We completely understand and share the concerns of the group and our constituents who will be impacted by the potential closure of St Peter’s and the relocation of health services. We will continue to press the issue of the future of St Peter’s Hospital both in Parliament and across Government to stop this unacceptable closure.
Sir John Whittingdale MP said: “We had a very productive discussion with the Save Maldon Medical Services Group, and I congratulate its members on mounting such a powerful campaign against the closure of St Peter’s. We are all determined to have these proposals withdrawn and to ensure that the current range of health services continue to be provided in the town. We will continue to take every opportunity to raise the issue with Ministers, both privately and in Parliament, and look forward to continuing to work closely with the campaign group.”
