A call has been made for urgent talks over services provided at Clacton and Harwich hospitals

There is concern that Clacton's maternity unit will remain closed until June 1 as well as a reduction in hours at Harwich's minor injuries unit.

Essex county and Tendring district councillor Roy Smith has joined forces with Health campaigner Nancy Duffus to call for a meeting with Tendring Primary Care chief executive Paul Unsworth over the situation.

Clacton's maternity unit was due to close for around a month on February 7, due to staff sickness in the department.

On Monday it was announced it would remain closed until June 1, as the problem was ongoing and the closure was for the safety of mothers who would now go to Colchester.

It is now due to reopen at the start of June with the introduction of the new team midwifery system.

Mr Smith said he had received a number of calls and letters from residents concerned about the situation.

"There is a strong feeling within the public that once we start to allow hours to be reduced, and facilities close even for a short period, that they could end up closing for good," he said.

"This feeling is made even more significant on understanding these services are outside the full control of the Tendring Primary Care Trust due to the reliance on Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust to provide staffing."

Published Wednesday, March 6, 2002