The number of so-called bed blockers in Southend Hospital has dropped to its lowest for years.

The number of beds now being taken by patients who are fit to leave but waiting for alternative arrangements is now 21.

Chief executive, David Brackenbury, said the situation was better than for the last two or three years, thanks to a range of measures.

But the hospital's head of operations and service development, Andrew Pike, warned the picture could deteriorate after Christmas, when fewer placements were made.

He said: "It is of some concern and we are talking to the health authority, to try and get the current levels kept up.

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