Hospital bosses were delighted to register the 1,000th application for membership of the proposed NHS Foundation Trust.
Southend Hospital chairman John Bruce was working in the busy communications department as part of NHS week when the completed form arrived.
More applications are arriving in every post supporting the hospital's bid to achieve the status, which will allow it to control its own budgets and shape services.
Mr Bruce said: "I am delighted but not surprised. So many people are showing such interest in the future of the hospital.
"We really appreciate the high level of support we receive for all our ventures."
Published Wednesday July 14, 2004
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