ARGUMENTS over the closure of Orsett Hospital are continuing after a member of Thurrock Labour challenged the borough’s MP to a public debate.

Labour councillor John Kent, of the Grays Thurrock ward, has called on Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price to join him in a public debate over the controversial plans.

The councillor, who is the Labour party’s candidate for the Thurrock constituency, said: “Our current MP and health minister, Jackie Doyle-Price, has said the closure of Orsett is the right thing to do.

“I think it is only right she should defend that position to the people of our borough and I’m willing to debate it with her any time, any place, anywhere.”

The controversial decision to close Orsett Hospital was confirmed by the NHS at the beginning of July and had been supported by the Conservative administration, who believe it will be beneficial for the borough.

However, Labour has fiercely opposed the closure and have been calling for more clarity on how the NHS plans to retain all the medical services that are currently in Thurrock.

The NHS has guaranteed that four new medical facilities will be built across Thurrock, Brentwood and Basildon and the hospital will not close until all services have been transferred.

The Tories have also stressed on several occasions that the closure of the hospital is not political and the decision lies completely with the NHS.

Mr Kent said financial pressure from the government could be partly to blame.

He added: “The NHS relies on government for its funding and I fear it is these bean-counters that have put Orsett in this position and it is these same people who aim to deny us our own hospital.”

Ms Doyle-Price said: “I understand that many people will be anxious about this decision. I cannot emphasise strongly enough that all NHS providers have pledged that they will continue to run their services at Orsett until they are able to relocate them in the new facilities.

“Until that time Orsett will remain open. Put simply, no new services - no closure.”

She added that she is disappointed that the Labour Party and the Thurrock Independents are “seeking to exploit people’s natural anxieties” and they should be trying to reassure the public.

The Thurrock Independents group said they back the call for a public debate because it would be in the public interest.

Party leader, councillor Luke Spillman, said: “Jackie Doyle Price MP and Councillor John Kent are likely candidates at the next General Election. They should be willing to publicly debate and answer questions from the public on this issue.”