I am deeply concerned with the proposal of the closure of the outpatients unit at Orsett Hospital.

Orsett Hospital has served our community for many years and was once a fine example of a general hospital.

The majority of the hospital has been demolished and housing put in its place leaving one Hospital in Basildon to support all the residents of this area.

Having had many dealings in my work with Basildon Hospital I know that facilities are as good as they can be, however staff struggle with demand due to more and more people moving to this area.

The proposal to close the outpatients at Orsett and spread the services further away will increase demand on Basildon and will not help those who are unable to travel through lack of finances or disability.

I would respectfully ask for this to be taken into consideration as a matter of urgency before lives are lost due to demand on the one Hospital we have left.

MIKE JONES

Dudley Close

Chafford Hundred