A DEDICATED men’s health clinic would save lives, says Tendring councillor David Rutson.

He has been pushing for such a centre at the Fryatt Hospital, Harwich, since he was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago.

Despite repeated calls for such a facility, and meetings with charities and councillors, NHS North East Essex chief executive Paul Watson insists there is no need for it His stance has angered Mr Rutson, pictured left. He said: “I think it’s a disgrace when we have a building where it could be based.

“The people of Harwich deserve better than that. It would not cost the trust a penny.

“The clinic has support from Tendring Council, Harwich Town Council, MP Bernard Jenkin, the Fellowship for the Sick and the public.

“But I won’t leave it, I will keep pushing this. It would save lives. If they hadn’t found the cancer in in me, I would be dead now.”

If the trust agreed to allow the hospital to be used, the clinic, would screen for prostate, bowel and testicular cancer and other illnesses. Funding has already been promised for the first two years.

But trust boss Dr Watson’s view is simple: That a dedicated centre isn’t needed because men’s health is already well catered for.

Back in March, he promised Harwich Town Council he would look into the issue.

Now he says: “I have written to councillors updating them on the decision regarding a proposal for a men’s health clinic at the Fryatt.

“There are already many very good services supporting men’s well-being in the town. Harwich GPs offer later opening times to make their services more accessible to patients with concerns and those who work.

“Specialist nurse and consultant-led urology services currently operate from the Fryatt.

“We felt the proposal duplicated the excellent range of services currently being provided.

“NHS North East Essex is also offering health checks to all people in Harwich, not just men. We are extending the national programme, locally, to ensure everyone between 40 and 84 gets these health MoTs.

“We are looking at making greater use of the community hospital and working with the council on this. We will come forward with proposals in September.

“We have welcomed discussions with local councillors, Fellowship for the Sick and local people before making this decision.”

The hospital, in Main Road, Dovercourt, has been the centre of controversy since its behind-schedule opening in 2006 – problems with flooring were blamed for the delay.

Residents have criticised the building, which they say is underused and fails to offer the services the town needs.

It has suffered problems with catering, the narrowness of its internal doors and delays in moving GPs into the Mayflower Medical Centre, which is part of the hospital.

MP Bernard Jenkin described Dr Watson’s response as “very disappointing”. He added: “We have the Fryatt Hospital, which is an underused asset “This is a positive idea which would provide a service for the whole of north-east Essex, offering preventative health care for men, something which is much needed.

“It would have to survive on its own merits, but if this scheme is not to be backed, then what better ideas are there?”