Jubilant campaigners have welcomed a report which suggests "a potentially viable and exciting future" for Ongar War Memorial Hospital.

The results of the public consultation into its future were warmly greeted by members of the Ongar Healthcare Review body on Monday.

The £9,000 report, by social scientist Dr Charlie Davison, follows the decision last year by Health Minister John Denham to veto plans to convert the hospital into a private nursing home with GP beds.

After considering the report, the group agreed that a range of potential future developments for the hospital be considered.

These include the piloting of a "nurse led admissions service," increased use of the theatre, and local hospice provision to complement that provided at St Clare's.

Aidan Thomas, chief executive of Epping Forest Primary Care Trust, said: "I think the group and the PCT were pleased with the research that has been undertaken and I am very pleased that we have jointly been able to agree a potential way forward for the hospital.

"Considerable work needs to be done to develop these proposals in more detail, but they represent a potentially viable and exciting future for the hospital.

"The Trust will need to consider the proposals when more details have been finalised, but I was particularly pleased with the enthusiasm of staff for the idea of a nurse led service which could be a very important model of care for the future."

Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles said: "This is wonderful news, it's terrific. It is early days, but if they accept these recommendations then I think a small celebration is called for.

"Everyone said we stood no chance of keeping the hospital open, but I think this is all down to the campaigners. It has been a long, hard struggle, but I'm really chuffed."

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