THERE are renewed fears over the future of Clacton Hospital after shock plans to close two of its remaining wards emerged.

Health bosses have revealed proposals to move the St Osyth Priory inpatient and Kate Grant rehabilitation wards to the Fryatt Hospital.

Hospital staff are understood to have been told at meetings on Thursday. 

A two-month public consultation will start on July 2 and run until September 10.

Talks about the proposals are ongoing between the CCG – clinical commissioning group – and healthcare provider ACE, which runs most services at the hospital.

The CCG will make a final decision after the consultation period ends.

A letter to staff, seen by the Gazette, says: "We do understand that periods of uncertainty like this can cause concern and anxiety, and we would assure you that as soon as we know what the CCG decision is, we will let you know.

"If there are subsequent changes to our services, we will consult and engage fully with you."

The proposals signal a shake-up of the type of clinical services provided by hospitals in Clacton and Harwich.

There are fears it is just the latest in a series of ward closures at Clacton – despite the promise of an extra £14.7million for health services in the town earlier this year.

Clacton saw its Peter Bruff mental health ward close and move to Colchester in 2016.

The 15-bed Durban rehabilitation centre, set up to relieve bed-blocking at Colchester General, was closed in June 2015 and services moved to Corner Lodge and Corner House care homes in Clacton.

In 2014, plans to axe the hospital's maternity unit were abandoned after a furious backlash by the public and the Gazette's Save Our Baby Services campaign.

A hospital insider, who asked not to be named, said: "There is going to be a public consultation with a view of moving the two wards to Harwich.

"There was a meeting at the hospital today about the proposed changes with nursing staff and the impact it will have on catering.

"There are not too many wards left open at Clacton. If these two wards close it will be another nail in the coffin.

"Everyone is thinking they will have to work in Harwich, but there isn't much room at the Fryatt unless they are going to amalgamate wards.

"There is masses of spare space at Clacton. If anything you would think they would putting more services there.

"I'm angry about it – what a waste of resources.

"The town is growing by the minute with all the houses going up there.

"I know we will still have the minor injuries unit, but it makes you think this is a downward spiral and they are closing it bit by bit until there will be nothing left."

Another source feared it could be the thin end of the wedge and spell the end of Clacton Hospital, with buildings being "bulldozed" as more services are cut.

But in March this year, the Department for Health said it was pumping almost £15million into a massive overhaul of Clacton Hospital and the creation of a new primary care centre.

Health bosses said the move would see the hospital benefit from an integrated outpatient facility, and minor injuries and diagnostics units following the demolition of empty wards.

Speaking at the time, Clacton MP Giles Watling said it was "superb news" and a "stunning result”.

Health campaigner Mike Le Cornu, of Tendring Pensioners’ Action Group, said he hoped the investment would guarantee the hospital's future after fears that it was being "closed by stealth following the piecemeal closure" of services.