Morale among staff at Southend Hospital has had a visible lift since the trust achieved the coveted three-star status in the Government's performance ratings published last month.

An extra bonus in reaching the top rung has been an additional £1million for the trust to spend on building developments.

Chief executive, David Brackenbury, said the cash will mean projects put on ice could now go ahead.

At the same time, the way ahead was now clear to consider whether the hospital wants to go for the controversial foundation status.

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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