A national consultation document on the future of community hospitals poses no threat to those in Clacton, Harwich and Halstead, according to an Essex Health trust.

Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to the community hospitals following speculation over a report which recommends the Government should close up to 500 smaller sites across the country.

"Essex Rivers has always been committed to our community hospitals," said a Trust spokesman.

"Our new chief executive spoke publicly very shortly after joining the trust about his personal commitment to community units and his plans for their future development," he said.

The spokesman added that Health Secretary Frank Dobson told staff at Harwich Hospital when he visited earlier this year that he was "a big fan" of community units.

The confidential report, which was leaked to the national press at the weekend, has been put together by top doctors and recommends a scheme for super hospitals covering large areas and the closure of some 500 smaller units.

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