A CATALOGUE of uncertainty around the future of Orsett Hospital has prompted borough MP Jen Craft to express her 'deep alarm'.

Earlier today Thurrock Nub News exclusively reported on concerns that the whole site at Orsett could be closed down – and that the Essex-wide Integrated Care Board (ICB) was due to make an announcement about a possible closure of the hospital's minor injuries unit.

Despite promising a statement today, the ICB has still not issued any details of what it plans.

However, investigations by Nub News have revealed the whole site could be at risk because of 'safety concerns'.

In response to our questions, Dawn Scrafield, deputy chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which owns and runs the hospital, said: "There are a number of safety concerns around the estate and infrastructure at Orsett Hospital.

"These concerns are being properly investigated so that we can put in place appropriate mitigating actions to ensure that any risks to patients and staff are minimised.

"It is too early to speculate what this may mean for the services provided at Orsett Hospital. Once the mitigating actions have been identified, we will update staff, patients and the wider community.

"We are working with NHS Essex and NHS England so that the right support is in place and the right action can be taken."

While we still wait to see what the ICB, which controls local health spending, plans to do about the minor injuries unit, Mrs Craft has spoken out.

She says: "I am deeply alarmed by these reports about the potential closure of Orsett Hospital.

"I know how important this hospital is to people in Thurrock, and the valuable services it provides. I was born there and campaigned to save the A&E.

"I will not stand by while our community loses out. I will oppose any attempt to close Orsett until every service it provides is delivered elsewhere.

"If the hospital building is unsafe, then NHS leaders must set out a plan for ensuring people in Thurrock can still access the care they need, close to home, without a trip to Basildon."

The issue around the state of Orsett Hospital is not new. It has been known for years upwards of £10 million is required to be spent to bring it up to the minimum expected standard.

In January 2024 then chairman of Thurrock Council's health and wellbeing overview and scrutiny committee, Mark Hooper, said: "I think people need to be held to account. We've been lied to, misled, conned and Orsett Hospital is in a really sad state of repairs, which is unacceptable.

"The people of Thurrock have been lied to."