Plans for a day nursery for the children of hospital staff are nearing reality - but it is still not yet known when or where it will be built.

Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust has said it is committed to the project somewhere on the Colchester General Hospital site.

Board members agreed yesterday a commercial organisation would fund, run and take financial responsibility for the nursery.

The estimated cost of building and fitting out the proposed nursery was £560,000.

Denise Hagel, director of quality improvement and nursing, said an increasing number of people were returning to work after having children.

She said: "It's something as a board we need to take seriously and come to a decision on because it's been hanging around for a long time."

It is hoped the nursery will help the Trust to recruit and retain nursing staff, giving them more flexibility with their jobs and increase loyalty.

At the meeting, board members expressed their general support for the project, but it was pointed out the Trust had to look at what other new buildings may be put on the Turner Road site before they decide on a final location for the nursery.

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