The official opening of Southend Hospital's £3.4m Nightingale Centre for women's services has been deferred following the surprise resignation of health secretary Alan Milburn last week.
Mr Milburn was due to have come to the unit, which houses the women's clinic and breast unit on separate floors, on July 2.
Consultants had promised him a frosty welcome, and possibly some form of protest.
Consultant radiologist, Dr Mark Lewars, said the opening might not now be until September.
He stressed the unit was already up and running successfully, but said the delay would give a "breathing space".
Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003
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