New medical equipment allowing more operations to take place will be just one of the improvements thanks to an extra £1million boost to Basildon Hospital.

All three-star NHS trusts are rewarded with the cash every year for capital projects from the Government.

After gaining the top rating for the fourth year running, bosses in Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust were looking forward to the handout.

However, it was decided hospitals that had been granted the Foundation Status would not get it. But after lobbying hard the extra cash is now on its way to the trust.

A spokeswoman said: "We are delighted we have got this recognition and reward for our staff's hard work.

"We were very disappointed when it appeared we were going to miss out on the money because it seemed by becoming a Foundation Trust we were not going to get it."

The money will be used to improve the environment of the hospital for patients and staff. This will include improving staff accommodation and wards. Various items of medical equipment to be used in theatre will also be bought.