RESIDENTS in the borough have been reminded by Healthwatch Thurrock that the Minor Injuries Unit at Orsett Hospital will close at the end of the week, with its doors being shut for the last time at noon on Friday.

As reported earlier this month on Thurrock Nub News, It is moving to Thurrock Community Hospital on Monday 2 November where help from the same experienced team will be available from 10am to 7.30pm, offering walk-in care for minor injuries, including wounds, bumps, sprains, broken bones, minor eye injuries, and minor burns. The x-ray service, provided at the Community Diagnostic Centre, will have longer opening hours from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

In the intervening period anyone with problems is advised to contact NHS 111 by phone or online at https://111.nhs.uk/ for advice, or visit Basildon Hospital A&E.

Always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Find out more about the move and how it has been justified by NHS bosses, visit https://orlo.uk/TWLNT.

Gill Burns, Service Director, North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), said: "We are pleased to be moving our Minor Injuries Unit to a modern, purpose-built environment at Thurrock Community Hospital.

"This investment will help us continue to provide high-quality care for local people, with improved facilities, better patient experience and closer access to diagnostic services. Importantly, patients will continue to be cared for by the same experienced NELFT team they know and trust."

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However, the move had found little support among local residents, who have raised questions about accessibility and parking.

It is also seen by many as one of the final nails in the coffin of the much-loved Orsett Hospital site, which is in a poor state of disrepair, requiring around £10m to bring it up to scratch.

While millions have been poured into neighbouring facilities in Basildon and Southend, nothing has been earmarked for Orsett which will now offer outpatient facilities and phlebotomy, though they too are expected to be moved off site at some point, leaving the land available for sale and redevelopment.