Concerns over how plans for a brand new health centre will affect a hospital have been raised.

Braintree Councillor Jackie Pell said she was worried plans for Halstead Hospital would be affected by proposals for a new ‘Livewell Hub’ in Braintree.

She raised the issue at a Braintree Council cabinet meeting on Monday held to discuss town centre regeneration plans for Braintree, which include the hub as part of the multi-million pound plans for Manor Street.

Mrs Pell said: “We have our own hospital and rehabilitation centre which the people of Halstead and the villages around have paid for. We are now looking to extend that hospital and I’m concerned with some of the things which are planned for Braintree.”

The extension at Halstead Hospital involves a new kitchen, a conservatory and a bigger outdoor area for patients.

She said: “With us spending all this money for this extension I’m concerned the Braintree plans will dilute what we are planning to do.

“Braintree people need extra facilities but I don’t want it to come at the expense of other people losing out.”

Caroline Rassell, of the Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, responded to Mrs Pell at the meeting.

She said: “The facility is exclusively for Braintree and won’t affect anything in Halstead.

“That hub that Braintree will have is something that would be good for Halstead too.”

The new health centre as part of the Manor Street plans include a pharmacy and will offer services such as blood tests and ultrasound tests.

It would mean patients wouldn’t have to travel to Broomfield Hospital for procedures.