THE £118million, long-heralded transformation of healthcare in Thurrock, and across other parts of Essex, is still on hold.

It is awaiting further assessment from the Government’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

It was first referred to him by Southend Council, concerned about the high-quality stroke care being at risk in their part of the county.

Then weeks later, late last year, Thurrock Council followed in the authority’s footsteps. The main cause of concern here is with Orsett Hospital.

I’m not sure where you’ve been if you’ve missed the almost relentless ongoing debates, discussion and letters surrounding the contentious issue.

It always made sense to me to close the hospital, if the promise of five more conveniently situated health hubs pop up in key areas around the borough.

These would be more accessible for families, and as long as the promise of all the services being transferred to better facilities is carried through then few could argue it would not better benefit residents.

Today we tell how it now appears the millions of pounds set to be generated from the sale of Orsett Hospital’s land needs to go towards paying for part of the health transformation. Since when was that part of the deal?

Thurrock’s improvements should surely come from the same £118million pot, set aside by the Government to benefit all the area involved.

Then cash generated from the hospital sale can be ploughed back into improving the borough in other areas.