Tough new targets, including cuts in waiting lists, have been set by Mid Essex Hospitals Trust in its business plan for 2001/2.

Details of the plan were revealed this week, setting out how the trust is responding to the directives in the Government's NHS Plan.

A spokeswoman for the trust said, " The targets are tough and it is going to be very challenging for the trust, but we will do everything we can to meet them."

The trust is planning to invest £11.2 million in service changes and developments along with increased activity to meet the new targets.

A total of 14 new consultants will be appointed to help deliver the increased workload and to support the trust's modernisation programme.

New capital developments for Broomfield Hospital, costing more than £5 million, will include a new cardiac centre, a new medical and surgical ward, new pathology facilities and a major refurbishment of the kitchens and restaurant.

The trust is also planning a new chemotherapy unit in conjunction with the HEAL charity.

A strategy is being drawn up for improvements in intermediate care, rehabilitation and elderly care services and the trust is working towards the completion of a business plan for a new community hospital for Braintree.

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