New talks are taking place in a bid to extend the hours of the minor injuries departments at Tendring's two community hospitals.
Health bosses have ruled out either of them becoming a full accident and emergency department but are looking at ways of providing a limited 24-hour cover from both Clacton and Harwich sites.
The minor injuries departments cannot provide a full range of services as they do not have access to on-site theatres, an intensive therapy unit or all the specialist consultants.
But it is hoped to extend what is on offer and tailor it to the needs of residents and visitors.
Lynne Woodcock, director of nursing at Tendring Primary Care Trust which runs both hospitals, said the talks were still in the early stages.
"We have been looking at the useage figures for the last three to four years and analysing what exactly is required," she said.
"We are having discussions with the various providers of services such as paramedics, nurses, district nurses and other medical staff on the way forward."
She said the aim was to bring them together at Clacton and Harwich hospitals.
Mrs Woodcock said: "It would be a 24-hour service but would not contain all the various elements at all times but a combination of what is needed by patients."
She said this could involve the minor injuries department operating fully for a certain set period of the day, such as from 9am to 9pm, and then a lower key service available after that.
Published Thursday, May 22, 2003
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