DESPITE its deteriorating condition and having been branded as unsafe, Orsett Hospital appears to have missed out on the latest round of government funding for investment in NHS buildings.

Last month it was announced that in a tranche of grants, Basildon Hospital would get £6 million for improvements – with Orsett getting nothing.

Basildon and Orsett Hospitals are run by the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust, which also runs Southend Hospital and in the latest raft of money to be distributed by government ab, the borough hospital misses out – though the Trust is getting £1 million for Southend.

The Trust has announced the government will provide funding for it to plan improvements to its ageing buildings.

Any hope some of that might go to Orsett was dashed when the Trust added: "The funding will be used to develop a business case to replace the tower block at Southend Hospital, which provides inpatient care for a number of clinical services including cancer and outpatients, as well as neonatal and maternity care."

There is one small glint of hope as the Trust added: "The funding will also be used to review older buildings across the Trust and make the case for further capital funding."

But when Thurrock Nub News asked if that meant Orsett might be considered, the response was not positive.

Instead a spokesperson wouldn't make any commitment and said: "Please see full details of where the money is earmarked for outlined in the ministerial release: Over £1.5 billion to help NHS withstand year-round pressure - GOV.UK."

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There is no mention of Orsett in the government's list.