A new health centre in Braintree will complement the town’s hospital, health bosses have promised.

Concerns were raised over the hospital’s future after the Times reported on plans for the new facility as part of the proposed multi-million pound Manor Street development in the town centre.

The Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group has said the new centre would offer treatments such as blood tests and ultrasounds.

But Professor Christopher Green, chairman of the Friends of Braintree Community Hospital, said there were concerns over what the new facility would mean for the hospital in Chadwick Drive.

He said: “We are really concerned at the moment about the development in Braintree town centre.

“The plan is for the CCG to develop the facilities, which will include somewhere to do blood tests and have X-rays - we have to ask the question about what this means for Braintree Hospital.

“I am not saying it is bad news, but we need more information. It is a worry of the unknown at the moment.”

But a spokesman for the CCG insisted the hospital was not at risk.

He said: “These linked-up services delivered through the Manor Street Live Well hub might also include nursing care, mental health support, connections with community groups and other NHS services.

“We value Braintree Community Hospital and want to make the best possible use of such an excellent facility by ensuring people living in the Braintree area do not have to travel to Broomfield Hospital for specialist services.

“A complementary range of outpatient services could then be provided from Manor Street.”