A £1.7m handout to Runwell Hospital has just been announced - even though it will close within two years.

The money - part of a £113m allocation for the Eastern region, into which south Essex now falls - follows last year's review of forensic facilities recommended by the Mental Health Review.

Work will start this month on creating single bedrooms and creating extra day areas in the medium secure unit. Male and female sleeping and day areas will also be segregated, in line with policy.

The new design includes secure courtyard and safe walkway to the sports hall. Southend Community Care Services Trust has taken on extra staff to work in the unit.

The trust's interim chief executive, Anne Eden, is reviewing forensic services across the Eastern region, which will decide where the medium secure wards are finally situated, once Runwell closes.

One of the wards, Plashet I which provides intensive care, will move to Rochford Hospital.

The money includes cash for improving facilities at Thurrock community hospital, and for Basildon Hospital's planned dedicated breast cancer unit.

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