At a Glance:
- Essex Integrated Care Board backs new health facility plans
- Current hospital buildings date back to 1932
- “Opportunity Southend” aims to future-proof the city
- Plans include improving healthcare, infrastructure and growth
- Potential for new homes if hospital site is redeveloped
A boost has been given to the plans for a new hospital facility as part of the “Opportunity Southend” initiative.
The Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has thrown its weight behind the bid for new and improved health facilities in the city.
It wants to work with “Opportunity Southend” to find openings for new and better facilities in community settings in the city, to reduce the burden on hospital services.
The proposal makes the case that Southend University Hospital will not last into the future. Parts of the building date back to 1932 and they have reached the end of their useful life.
Opportunity Southend
- Launched in 2026 by MPs David Burton-Sampson and Bayo Alaba with City Council Leader Daniel Cowan
- Outlines how no large-scale government investment has been made into the city since 1925
- It is a vision to future proof Southend for the 21st century
- It aims to improve road, rail, hospital services and skills in the city
- Population growth in Southend means the need to invest in new services is paramount
- We need to boost economic growth and improve health outcomes.
The ICB would like to work with the Hospital Trust on how we can improve the quality of the hospital estate in the city.
I believe that the Care Board championing our cause is great news. The hospital will not last into the future in its present form and due to the location of the site, it has no room to expand.
New Hospital Opportunity
A new hospital facility could free up the current land, which could be a prime site for much needed new homes.
As your local MPs, we will be pushing our case forward in parliament and we will strive to progress the plans presented in “Opportunity Southend”.
The backing from the ICB is a welcome and significant step forward and we will continue to work with our health partners to make sure we have world class facilities here for the next generation.
by David Burton-Sampson
MP for Southend West & Leigh
david.burtonsampson.mp@parliament.uk