MORE than 700 people flocked to St Peter’s Hospital for a special ‘spotlight’ event amid an ongoing public consultation into the hospital’s future and NHS services.

The consultation began in January and will now end on April 4 following an extension.

The Save Maldon’s Medical Services group is actively opposing the threat of closure to the 150-year-old hospital.

The group organised an event which took place outside the hospital and saw 750 members of the public attend, as well as councillors for the area.

Campaigners held torches to create a “circle of light” around the hospital.

Professional drone pilot Christopher Cook took film and stills of the event from the air.

There were also more than 2,500 viewers on TikTok and Facebook livestreams.

A spokesman said the event was “huge” and went viral online with nearly 22,000 followers.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Campaigners - Some of those in attendance outside St Peter's HospitalCampaigners - Some of those in attendance outside St Peter's Hospital (Image: Kevin Green)

They said: “We have been out in the community meeting the public over the last few weeks as the Mid and South Essex ICB trust consultation survey is only available online and has not been sent to each household. 

“The vast majority of people did not even know about it and many have no digital footprint, so we have been handing out paper surveys. 

“The lack of accessibility has been the greatest failure in this process.

"If the closure and sale goes through, most residents will not reach appointments in Rochford and Brentwood or be able to visit loved ones, or be even able to get home on public transport.”