Plans are back on track to move health facilities to Basildon town centre to free up much-needed hospital space.

Gavin Callaghan, Basildon Council’s leader of the policies and resources committee, has said “exciting” plans are set to be announced today.

In a tweet on social media, Mr Callaghan said: “I’ll be bringing forward proposals to bring outpatient units from Basildon Hospital into town centres and Basildon Council buildings.

“That would free up hospital space while at the same time also increase visitor numbers for traders in our town centres.

“Major partnerships working, that’s never been done before here.”

The concept was initially announced earlier this year when the Echo reported that the Mid and South Essex Success Regime had received a £600,000 government grant.

Half the money was signposted to fund improvements to the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, which is based in the grounds of Basildon Hospital.

The other half would be used to create a new outpatient facility to be situated in the town centre.

The outpatient unit, if it goes ahead, is expected to offer x-rays, blood tests and same day surgery.

“But since then few details about location or development have been revealed.

But Basildon Labour leader Mr Callaghan said: “The reason talks stalled back in March was because there was not any clear patient outcome.

“Me and some other councillors were not satisfied that that was a good way to kick-start the partnership.

“We didn’t understand what people were getting out of that so we went back to develop the plans in more detail.”

The plans were due to be published today as part of the agenda for the next policies and resources committee meeting, which is taking place on November 30.

Mr Callaghan added: “It will outline a number of different recommendations about what is happening.

“It’s quite exciting really.

“The difference now is that we are a lot more clear about how our proposed partnership is going to benefit people in our community.”

View the agenda at basildon.gov.uk