HOSPITALS across mid and south Essex are to receive a welcoming £110 million boost to increase the number of beds, upgrade emergency departments and improve cancer and planned care.

The long-awaited funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has now been confirmed and will support Mid and South Essex NHS Trust to help make the hospitals fit for the future.

The Trust will get an initial £40 million between now and March 2025 – helping to carry out critical preparation works and complete some elements of the building works.

The rest of the money is then set to be delivered in 2025.

It is expected other improvements will be delivered throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, said: “Since being elected, I have fought tooth and nail to deliver this funding and I am delighted that the £110 million of investment to improve south Essex hospitals is now finally on its way.

“Delivering this investment, on top of the £8 million I secured last year for Southend Hospital, has been one of my key priorities.

“Although this money will go towards much needed improvements to all three of our local hospitals, the lion-share of the money will come to Southend.

“This will deliver a modern endoscopy suite, an upgraded, refurbished main theatre, more hospital beds, as well as an upgraded ED department.”

This funding follows the earlier announcement of £8 million in January this year to allow the Trust to improve and expand its emergency department at Southend, which is set to be complete in winter 2024.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, added: “This funding is great news for our patients and staff.

“Patients will get better quality care and it helps us meet the ever-increasing demands on hospital services.

“Finally, the hard work can begin to improve the patient experience of everyone who uses our hospitals.”

Other south Essex MPs also welcomed the news.

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, said: “I am so very pleased that this funding has come through, which will help the Trust to deliver much needed change and expansion. I hope this will mean patients will be able to access care faster and in better surroundings.”

Sir James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, added: “This is fantastic news not just for residents of Southend, but across mid and south Essex and will support improvements to care and capacity at our local hospitals.”

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said: "This is a really significant investment, which will improve healthcare for my Castle Point residents for years to come."

Vicky Ford, MP for Chelmsford, added: "This funding will ensure more capacity and better configured wards at Broomfield Hospital which will benefit patients from all across Chelmsford. 

"I will continue to press for the improvements to be delivered as soon as possible."