HEALTH Secretary Wes Streeting has today (Wednesday, 25 March] announced that Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation will be placed on a new, intensive recovery programme.

The Trust, which runs Basildon and surrounding hospitals, sits near the bottom of NHS league tables, with patients facing long waiting lists and sub-standard care.

This support comes following repeated calls from borough MP Jen Craft for direct Government intervention, to address problems at the trust that "stretch back years".

From April, Thurrock's local hospitals will receive tailored help, which may include a new leadership, with NHS "veterans" with a history of success brought into the area.

Mid and South Essex is one of only five trusts selected for the bespoke programme, which is designed to implement urgent changes at hospitals that have consistently failed to deliver high-quality care.

While NHS waiting list are down across the country, Thurrock residents have seen no change. This intervention is intended to bring the local trust up to speed, addressing long-standing structural challenges.

Mrs Craft said: "As a lifelong Thurrock resident, I know that the problems with our trust stretch back years and have seen patients and hard-working frontline staff badly let down.

"That's why I've been calling for direct government intervention, to finally identify and address these longstanding problems.

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"The Health Secretary has listened and delivered, with immediate, tailored support.

"This is a chance to turn the tide on the cycle of poor performance at the trust, cutting waiting lists and ensuring people in our area get the excellent care they deserve."

Cllr Mark Hooper, Thurrock Council cabinet member for health and social care, said: "I strongly welcome this announcement from the Government, to provide targeted support to improve performance at the trust.

"I've been making the case for intervention at Mid and South Essex, to identify challenges and deliver urgent action, and this support could be a turning point for hospital services in our area."