NHS bosses have denied suggestions Halstead Hospital’s future is in danger following the merging of two major hospitals.

Concerns had been raised about the possible withdrawal of outpatient clinics at the hospital off Hedingham Road following claims outpatient services would be transferred to Colchester Hospital as part of wider merging with Ipswich Hospital.

A spokesman for Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust denied this.

A spokesman said: “It’s not in our strategy to take services away from community hospitals.

“We cannot speak for Provide which runs the hospital but we have no plans to remove outpatient clinics from Halstead.”

A spokesman for Provide said though it delivered services at Halstead Hospital, it was not responsible for the management of outpatient clinics.

However meetings are taking place to discuss the future of the hospital and what it will be used for in the coming weeks.

Two giant partnerships involving large hospitals are under discussion, with Halstead Hospital connected to both.

A merger is planned for hospital trusts in Colchester and Ipswich which could mean changes to hospitals in Harwich, Clacton and Halstead.

Plans for the future for hospitals in Chelmsford, Southend and Basildon are also being discussed which will impact on Braintree, Maldon and Halstead hospital, again.

Former GP Shan Newhouse admits she remains concerned about the future of Halstead Hospital.

She said: “There has been very little mention of Halstead, as usual, as it is on the edge, and splits work between the two clinical commissioning groups.

“I haven’t heard anything about Halstead hospital.

“I do know that Halstead surgery is having great difficulties and can’t recruit which is true for most surgeries.

“Extra pressure comes on Halstead hospital because Braintree hospital will only take orthopaedic cases soon.”

Jackie Pell, chairman of the Halstead Hospital League of Friends, said: “We will be meeting with people from the NHS to find out more about possible improvements to the hospital.

“We certainly want to see it improved and are hoping there will be some good news soon.”