Professor Mike Bewick, independent chair of the Joint Committee of the five clinical commissioning groups in mid and south Essex said:
“Whilst we recognise the important role scrutiny plays, it is frustrating that this decision means a further delay to implementing these important changes to key health services for our local communities.
“We’ve been very clear from the start that these changes have been about taking necessary steps to secure these services and ensure our skilled staff are able to provide the highest levels care to everyone in mid and south Essex.
“We are confident that our consultation process was open and transparent and the evidence behind the models of care recommended will enhance the existing provision of hospital care for our whole population.
“The decision to proceed with these service changes was made by the joint committee of the five clinical commissioning groups in July based on clear and demonstrable evidence, and we know that staff in these services would like to get on making these improvements and end some of the uncertainty they currently face.”