‘Regular flooding’ and ‘fire risks’ force part-closure of hospital

Local media has previously reported that inpatient care would be temporarily shifted away from St Peter’s Hospital in Essex this winter due to the condition of the building. But official board papers have now provided further details on the estates issues that led to the move. 

The site is a former Victorian workhouse in Maldon and is run by Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust. Local commissioners are already set to consider closing it permanently.

A report published by the integrated care board last week said: “It became necessary to make the changes because of the number of health and safety concerns within the St Peter’s site, including regular flooding, fire risks and breakdown of lifts.”

Stroke rehabilitation beds will move to a unit in Brentwood, while a midwifery-led birthing unit will move to Braintree, and intermediate care services to Rochford. Outpatient appointments will continue at the site. Mid and South Essex ICB said work was ongoing to prepare for a full public consultation on longer-term options.