JOB losses and cuts are on their way as health bosses look to make more than £52million of savings.

The NHS South West Essex health trust has said it must shed the staggering sum to help balance its books.

It means more than 90 jobs will be cut and plans for new health centres in Wickford, Laindon and Grays have been put on hold.

Meanwhile, current community hospitals and health centres in Billericay and Brentwood will be reviewed.

Residents waiting for outpatient operations – planned non-emergency treatments – will also have to wait longer as the trust will extend the waiting list by an extra six weeks to recoup costs.

IVF treatments will also be restricted to just people who have previously been treated for cancer.

Unions have attacked the trust and said the problems arose because of gross mismanagement.

Trust chairman Derek Morrison admitted changes being put forward by the trust would be extemely unpopular, but said there was little choice.

He insisted “It’s a necessity.

“No one is happy about doing it, but it’s the least worst option.

“We’re in an unfortunate position, but if we don’t bite the bullet this year it will become harder.”

The cuts are to help claw back a £43million overspend of the trust’s budget by the end of the financial year in March 2011, and to save a further £8million for an emergency relief fund.

But Andrew Pike, interim chief executive, said the trust was working with health service providers, such as GPs and other services, and claimed the cuts were essential.

Mr Pike said: “Hopefully, the public have gathered the sheer size of what we have to do.

“This is not just the primary care trust. The NHS has got itself into an unacceptable position in south-west Essex.

“I’m seeking co-operation. I don’t want to see any provider use patients as pawns.

“We must do the best for the public in all that we do.”