Talks are to be held to try to avert a new threat to vital services at Clacton and Harwich hospitals.
Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust is facing a potential financial crisis in April and is considering cutting medical cover at Clacton Hospital's minor injuries unit.
Operating sessions may also be moved from Harwich Hospital to Colchester General Hospital.
Neither move has been finalised and health bosses say there will be no changes which would adversely affect residents.
Paul Unsworth, chief executive of Tendring Primary Care Trust, said the board of Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust had been forced to consider its financial position.
"The indications are that unless certain actions are taken, the prospects for a financial break-even at the end of the financial year a statutory requirement are not good," he said.
"These issues have not been agreed with Tendring PCT and we will be having, as a matter of urgency, in-depth discussions with Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust."
Published Friday, December 13, 2002
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