THURROCK's leading councillor for adult social care has joined the chorus of disapproval after publication of a performance table that places Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust among the worst in the country.

However, he says there have been signs of improvement in health care management in the borough and he has backed the local authority as an organisation capable of driving similar upgrades in acute care provision.

As reported earlier on Thurrock Nub News, local MPS James McMurdock and Jen Craft have also spoken up in disappointed tones and have accused the Trust, which runs Basildon and Orsett Hospitals, of bad management.

Labour councillor Mark Hooper has been a strong critic of the Trust in the past – particularly over the lack of investment into Orsett Hospital. Most notably, in January last year when reviewing the failure of the pledged Integrated Medical Centre project to replace Orsett, he said: "I think we have been lied to, conned, and I think Orsett Hospital is in a really sad state, which I think is unacceptable."

This afternoon the cabinet member for adults and health – and a former chair of the People overview and scrutiny committee at Thurrock Council, was less combataive and said: "I note the outcome of the Government's hospital league table with some disappointment, but I want to reassure residents that here in Thurrock we are working hard to ensure they continue to receive high-quality care every day.

"The recent positive outcome and good rating from the CQC inspection of our Adult Social Care services is clear recognition of the dedication and commitment of our local health and care teams.

"While Thurrock Council is not directly responsible for Mid and South Essex Hospitals, we are a key partner.

"We remain committed to working closely with the Hospital Trust, our local MPs, and Government colleagues to explore how we can provide further support.

"By working together, we can build on the progress already being made and ensure that the people of Thurrock receive the excellent healthcare they rightly deserve."