Health services will be affected by the development of Harwich International Port, it has been claimed.
Tendring Primary Care Trust heard that a new container terminal at Bathside Bay could increase healthcare demands.
Dr Sushil Jathanna, PCT director of public health, updated the trust on health issues surrounding the proposed port development.
Hutchison Ports UK, which owns Harwich International Port, wants to expand by creating a new container terminal.
A health impact assessment is investigating positive and negative effects of the development on Harwich residents' health.
Noise, demand on health services and the creation of new jobs have so far been identified as the most important health-related factors.
Dr Jathanna told a meeting of the trust's board: "The purpose of the health impact assessment is not to stop progress, as there are clearly benefits from redeveloping that area, but in planning ahead in all things to look at access to PCT services."
The risk of accidents among workers and an increase in employees living in the area could put extra demand on health services, the trust heard. But it was also told employment opportunities could improve public health by improving standards of living.
Paul Davey, corporate affairs manager for Hutchison Ports, said after the meeting: "We fully support the work being undertaken by Tendring Primary Care Trust and are committed to co-operating with them. "
Published Thursday, January 23, 2003
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