A report from a working group set up to review the plans has urged NHS Mid and South Essex ICB to review the decision and provide ‘rapid investment' to keep St Peters Hospital in Maldon running for five years for the development of an alternative health hub.

James Halden, who led the review, said: ‘It was broadly felt, despite some good work being attempted, the consultation had left a number of issues unresolved, not fully thought-out, and needing an additional layer of critical thinking.

‘The original consultation was far too hasty in suggesting that St Peters close with utterly inadequate plans as to how services would be managed after being separated into unspecific and likely unstable temporary arrangements.'

The hospital close plans were suspended after community opposition.

The report said the lack of financial planning for a new hub to replace the hospital during the consultation was ‘a grave error'.

Tom Abell, chief executive of NHS Mid and South Essex, said: ‘I fully appreciate both staff and the community will be keen to get clarity on the future of these community services. To ensure transparency and move our collaborative efforts forward, the working group's recommendations will be carefully integrated into a comprehensive Decision Making Business Case.

‘The board will then review and consider this business case during the summer months, with the aim of making a well-informed decision about the proposed recommendations.'