Health chiefs have shelved plans to re-open a 19-bed intermediate care ward.
Holly ward, at St John's Hospital in Chelmsford, was provisionally closed in November after a number of recruitment initiatives failed to attract staff with some posts receiving no applications.
Primary Care Trust officials in mid Essex have proposed that Holly ward closes permanently and services continue as normal at the adjacent 22-bed Juniper ward.
A spokesman for Chelmsford Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: "It was initially closed due to staff shortages but the most important thing now is to ensure we have the right skills mix on the ward.
"It is closed subject to consultation and we want to hear from the public.
"The plans will be ready at the beginning of March, which will give people a chance to see what the proposal is all about."
Published Monday, February 21, 2005
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