Bold plans for the future of two community hospitals in north east Essex are going on display for the first time.
Capital funding of £15 million for Clacton Hospital and £3m for Fryatt Hospital in Harwich was announced by the Government in April.
The North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has drawn up a blueprint for how it wants to spend this cash, and is seeking feedback from the public.
The proposals include the creation of a new dedicated inpatient rehabilitation centre at Fryatt Hospital.
However, this would mean the rehabilitation beds currently located at Clacton Hospital would be relocated to Harwich.
Paul Davison, the CCG’s director of transformation and strategy, said: “We understand that moving the community beds from Clacton to Harwich will impact on some patients and families including concerns for transport links.
“The CCG will be exploring opportunities to address those concerns as part of this engagement.”
Clacton Hospital will be developed to offer a modern facility for some GP practices in the area.
Bosses hope this new primary care hub would work well alongside the minor injuries unit already based at the site.
Other services provided from Clacton Hospital will not be changed.
A CCG spokesman said: “This is a great opportunity to provide care in ways that are proven to achieve better outcomes for patients and are able to cope with future growth of the local population.”
Further beds for palliative and end-of-life care will be provided in the community in places like nursing homes under the proposals.
The CCG is running a public consultation on the proposals from July 2 to September 10.
Patients using Clacton and Harwich hospitals are urged to share their views.
An online survey will be available from July 2, and hard copies will be placed in the two hospital from July 3.
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt also pledged a £69m capital investment to the Ipswich and Colchester hospitals merger, which is due to go ahead on July 1.
The money is due to be spent on transforming Colchester A&E, and allow diagnostic services at Ipswich to be improved.
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