Hospital to become health centre

A new £6.5m health centre will offer a variety of services

A hospital is to be turned into a health centre at a cost of £6.5m.

West Essex Primary Care Trust plans to redevelop Ongar War Memorial Hospital into a new district primary care unit.

Three local GP surgeries will transfer to the centre where patients will also have dental, family planning, minor surgery and counselling services.

In-patient beds will move to a new unit at St Margaret's hospital. "The plan has won the approval of local people," Aidan Thomas, chief executive, said.

"I know the current hospital is a much loved facility however it cannot meet modern health care needs for our inpatient or out-patient services.

"Work will now start on plans to relocate services during the build time and a liaison group for the development, which will include local residents, will be established to ensure that local views are reflected throughout the project."