Plans for new community hospital

Plans have been put forward for a new community hospital in south Essex to meet the growth in population in the region over the next 13 years.

South West Essex Primary Care Trust (PCT) wants to develop the hospital in Grays, near Thurrock.

The area would serve the Thames Gateway regeneration area where the population is expected to rise by 11% by 2021.

The hospital would include a GP-led health centre and minor injuries unit, a dental suite and a midwife.

The East of England Strategic Health Authority will be asked to support the plans at its board meeting on Thursday.