The new boss of Essex Rivers NHS Trust today told of his plans to guarantee the future of services at Clacton and Harwich hospitals.

And he revealed that if the Trust's board accepts his proposals, to be put forward next week, no services would be removed unless better ones were put in their place.

Chief executive Mike Pollard said: "The very best guarantee that can be made for hospitals like Clacton and Harwich is that they become indispensable and vital to their communities.

"I have already gone on record that in my view community hospitals make that type of contribution to Health care and that is the way forward."

Mr Pollard said the only exception to this would be if outside groups such as health and safety or clinical experts insisted on changes for medical reasons.

"Only then would there be any changes in services - but it will not be done as part of a cost-cutting exercise," he said.

Under the changes proposed, Essex Rivers NHS Trust is looking to sell East Court clinic in Colchester, transferring work to the town's Essex County Hospital. Services from there would be taken over by Colchester General Hospital.

That is to have a knock-on effect with some geriatric services being transferred to Clacton and Harwich - helping to safeguard their futures.

The aim is for more elderly patients to be treated on the coast. Even if they need to go to Colchester they will be transferred back as soon as possible, keeping them closer to relatives and friends.

The pledge of support was today welcomed by campaigners. David Evans of Tendring Health Action Group said: "Mr Pollard's words are being followed up with action. It really does make sense that Tendring people are treated at Tendring hospitals."

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