NHS bosses are moving more services out of Orsett Hospital as failing heating and sewerage and drainage problems raise fresh concerns over the ageing hospital's future and whether alternative sites can cope.

Several services are being temporarily relocated ahead of winter after assessments found parts of the hospital could become too cold for patients and staff.

The latest moves come shortly after Orsett Hospital's Minor Injuries Unit closed permanently on October 30 and transferred to facilities at Thurrock Community Hospital in Grays.

Almost £1million was secured for that move and improvements to the John Tallack Centre.

Now further services are being moved as NHS bosses grapple with the condition of the Orsett Hospital estate.

Maimuna Mushabe, interim chief executive for Basildon Hospital, told Thurrock councillors at Thursday's (12 November) adult health scrutiny committee: "Our heating is failing and we have some challenges with sewerage maintenance."

She said assessments earlier this year made it "very apparent" getting through the winter would be difficult, with concerns about maintaining suitable temperatures for staff and patients.

Some areas previously available while repairs were carried out were also no longer accessible.

X-ray and orthopaedic services are moving to Thurrock Community Diagnostic Centre, while ear, nose and throat outpatient and therapy services will relocate to Basildon Hospital.

That breaks a longstanding pledge by the health service that services would not be moved out of Orsett untill replacement services were relocated 'within Thurrock'.

And there could be more breaches of trust. The future locations of ophthalmology and renal services have yet to be resolved.

Ms Mushabe said: "We don't have a plan yet", adding that options were still being worked through with NHS Essex Integrated Care Board.

Patients are being advised to continue attending Orsett Hospital unless they are specifically told their appointment has moved.

Reform councillor Eddie Stringer questioned whether alternative NHS sites had sufficient capacity to take additional patients, particularly given existing concerns over parking.

He said: "I just don't see the capacity being there, certainly with parking at the moment. We're already getting complaints there is nowhere to park.

"If it moves to Basildon, that's even worse because travelling from here to Basildon and then trying to find somewhere to park when you get there, that's a problem."

Ms Mushabe said parking, public transport and available space were all being considered before decisions were made.

Mr Stringer also questioned the longer-term viability of the John Tallack Centre at Thurrock Community Hospital, warning the NHS could face similar pressures again in future.

The NHS has previously said improvements to the centre would provide a more modern environment for the relocated Minor Injuries Unit, with plans to develop it into an Urgent Treatment Centre from April 2027.

No estimate for the remaining lifespan of the building was provided at the meeting.

Ms Mushabe said longer-term NHS plans would ultimately determine where services for patients across Thurrock, Brentwood and Basildon are provided.