A motion was passed in Council which will set out a detailed case to the Health Secretary and the NHS to build a new hospital in Thurrock.

The motion was submitted by Councillor Graham Snell and presented in a council meeting on Wednesday, February 28.

The Thurrock Independent (TI) leader said: “What this motion is for, it’s not to demand a new hospital, but to start a conversation to get a new hospital in Thurrock in the future.”

A statement in the motion, outlining the reasons for its submission, reads: “Whilst we welcome the introduction of new Integrated Medical Centres in Thurrock, we call on the council to write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, as well as NHS England, setting out a detailed case for a new hospital in Thurrock.

“Orsett Hospital is out of date and in the wrong place, a new hospital in Thurrock will give us a modern and effective health service, fit for the future needs of our borough.”

The motion was voted for by all members of TI and Labour, with the ruling Conservatives abstaining.

It comes in the midst of a heated debate on the fu - ture of Orsett Hospital.

A consultation is currently underway where residents are asked their view on whether the services at the hospital should be moved to new Integrated Medical Centres.