A decision on the future of Ongar's threatened War Memorial Hospital could be taken by the summer.

However, the newly-formed Primary Care Trust for the district, and members of the Ongar Health Care Review are determined not to be rushed.

But long-time hospital campaigner, Doug Kelly, told a meeting of the review body on Monday: "The sword of Damocles has been hanging over us and we must know what is going to happen."

Ongar Parish Council vice-chairman Keith Tait added: "Haste is not the most important ingredient in making a decision.

''The climate in the health service has changed and, despite all the frustrations, take cognisance of all the changes."

Review members heard a report by social scientist Dr Charlie Davison currently carrying out a £9,000 consultation exercise on the hospital's future.

As we have revealed, his interviews with individuals and groups throughout the district have established the clear message: the hospital must stay open.

He said: "I have been surprised by the strength of feeling and emotion.

''People in Ongar aren't looking for a luxury and I was struck by the widespread practicalities of opinions."

Dr Davison said there had been a huge range of suggestions about the unit's future.

But people preferred it to provide 'low-tech care' which would avoid them having to go to a more sophisticated hospital further away and for 'old-fashioned recuperation and convalescence' to be available after they had been treated elsewhere.

Those questioned agreed that Ongar could not provide a sophisticated accident and emergency centre like BBC's Casualty but, equally, they thought it was ridiculous to have to go to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, for minor injuries.

He praised the volunteering ethos throughout the Ongar hospital and singled out the League of Friends' fundraising over the years.

"What I sense is the existence of a hospital which, even with a question mark over it, is a great focus for the community," he said.

Dr Davison plans to present his final report on March 31.

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