AN option to scrap two minor injury units in north-east Essex has been branded “ludicrous” by worried councillors and residents.

Urgent care services in Colchester, Clacton and Harwich are set to undergo a radical shake-up.

The North East Essex Clinical Commission Group (CCG) is considering three options designed to relieve pressure on Colchester General Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department.

The first would see a new health centre created in north Essex, located where there there is the greatest need.

Another option is to close the walk-in centre in Turner Road, Colchester, as well as minor injury units at Clacton and Harwich.

Critics say the move would only put more pressure on Colchester General Hospital’s already-stretched A&E department, which now has senior nurses assessing whether patients are sick enough to be at the unit.

Andy Wood, Essex county councillor for Clacton, slammed that option at yesterday’s public meeting of the CCG board.

He said: “I’m concerned something like this is on the table.

“I know it’s not official yet, but to actually think about taking both minor injuries unit away from Tendring is just ludicrous.

“All you’ll be doing is moving the problem out of Tendring to Colchester and you won’t save money.

“You might save money, but another area of the NHS might end up paying for it.

“This town is losing everything and I don’t want to see us lose this unit.

“I’m concerned that if you take the minor injury units away from Tendring it will force everyone to the A&E in Colchester.”

Dan Casey, a Jaywick resident and former councillor, added: “When travelling to various hospitals, it is the cost that is the issue.

“A lot of people haven’t got the money to travel to Colchester.

“It sounds to me like there’s going to be a big carve-up and we’ll have nothing down here again.

“I just think getting rid of the minor injuries unit is an absolute disgrace.

“Most of the talk seems to be in that direction.”

The board agreed to put the three options out to public consultation, which will run from January 4 until March.

A final decision will be made in May.

Dr Gary Sweeney, chairman of the CCG board, said: “There is not a proposal to take away anything at the moment.

“There is a proposal to discuss a number of options to reviewing urgent care and the decision will be made in May.

“If you are unhappy with the approaches put forward, suggest some alternatives proposals to us.

“We’re happy to accept as much criticism as you like, but let’s have it constructive.

"We have to respond to what we have been told when we have gone out and engaged with the public.

"What we have in place at the moment is confusing to people and I share that sense of confusion myself."