Lengthy journeys to Chelmsford for treatment have been reduced for Maldon patients - thanks to the opening of two new units.

A new assessment and rehabilitation unit has been officially opened at St Peter's Hospital in Maldon, to help ensure that older people are provided with medical and social care services closer to home.

Maldon and South Chelmsford Primary Care Trust (PCT) has also opened a minor surgery unit within the primary care centre on the St Peter's site as part of its drive to provide more localised services and reduce waiting times for treatment.

The rehabilitation unit has been set up thanks to a £150,000 grant secured by Maldon and South Chelmsford Primary Care Trust (PCT) to enable a building, previously used as the day hospital, to be completely refurbished.

The official opening ceremony was carried out by Dr Carey Chapman, a retired GP who used to work at the old day hospital.

Carol Jones, the PCT's intermediate care and community services manager said: "The new assessment service is aimed at early intervention to prevent the need for people being admitted to hospital in the first place.

''We have a wide range of health and social care professionals, including nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, on hand at the unit to carry out an assessment."

''The aim of the new service is to arrange appropriate care for people at an early stage once they have been referred by their GP or district nurse.

"This means people can be cared for closer to home and hopefully not have to travel to hospital.

Mike Harrison, chief executive of the PCT, said: "The opening of this unit is an important step in our aim to provide as many healthcare services as possible more locally."

Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

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