CONTROVERSIAL plans to treat and then transfer patients to different hospitals could be called in for the health secretary to decide.

Last night Labour councillors called for Secretary of State Matt Hancock to decide on the plans which would involve hospitals changing from all purpose to specialist centres instead.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, leader of the Labour group, said: “Having been through the consultation for the sustainability transfer plan, we have found it at every stage unacceptably vague and lacking in transparency.

“There are far too many key details which remain unknown, and vital questions which remain unanswered.

“We still do not know how many patients we can expect to be transferred to other hospitals from Southend Hospital, nor how this will be done.

“The consultation document did not make clear to residents that six out of the seven therapeutic areas consulted upon will be wound down at Southend Hospital, with patients being moved to Basildon and Broomfield hospitals.

Chairman of the joint health overview and scrutiny committee, councillor Bernard Arscott, said: “I understand there are concerns on a number of points, but I think it would be wise to wait until after the joint health committee has met on August 30, when we can get a consensus of opinion.

“We do need to look at these issues but at this stage I would say it is incorrect to refer to the secretary of state.

“We need to be looking, challenging and scrutinising and then decide once we have more information.”

Under the plans, announced on July 6, a new “treat and transfer” approach will see Southend, Basildon and Broomfield Hospital retain their A&E departments but give up certain areas of care. Patients will be taken to their nearest hospital for initial emergency care and then moved to the hospital chosen to deal with that ailment.