The Motion, as printed in the Agenda was proposed by Councillor Gerrish and seconded by Councillor Kerin. The Motion read as follows:

Thurrock Council notes the recent consultation which included the future of Orsett Hospital. Thurrock Council further notes the overwhelming opposition of Thurrock residents to the closure of Orsett Hospital. Thurrock Council calls on Cabinet to work with health partners to seek a solution which leaves Orsett Hospital open and retains all services in Thurrock.

Councillor Gerrish stated that a case to close Orsett Hospital had not been made and an alternative to benefit residents would be the Integrated Medical Centres but this was reliant on the centres being up and running before the hospital closed. Councillor Gerrish stated that this was a bad scheme and further consultation with residents would be required. So far the consultation had been poor with no concrete evidence on budgets or staffing and what and where services would be placed. Councillor Gerrish stated the Council had not done their job ensuring the best for residents of Thurrock and a previous Motion had been watered down by an amendment. He added that the past Thurrock Independent Leader had agreed to the closure of Orsett Hospital and facilitated that approach in the Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Gerrish hoped that Members would consider the views of the residents and it was time to put residents first and politics second on whether Orsett Hospital should close.

Councillor Spillman stated that he would not be supporting the closure of Orsett Hospital until a further hospital was built in Thurrock.  That Councillor Gerrish had the opportunity to become the Administration in May and directly affect the result of the closure of Orsett Hospital.

Councillor Halden stated a Memorandum of Agreement had been sought from the National Health Service that Orsett Hospital would not close until the Integrated Medical Centres were open, these centres would offer those services currently available at Orsett Hospital. A consultation with residents had taken place and discussions had also taken place at the Health and Wellbeing Board at which no questions had been raised by the Opposition Parties.

Councillor J Kent stated that residents felt let down and uncertain as to what the future plans would entail compared to what residents had been promised. Further questions needed to be answered and that no guarantee could be given that services will be provided once Orsett Hospital closed. The proposed Long Lane Hospital site for minor injuries would not work with insufficient facilities and parking for residents. Councillor J Kent stated that the Memorandum of Understanding was a cover up for the Administration to sell off the National Health Service land.

At 9.21pm, Councillor Halden requested a Point of Order. Councillor Halden clarified that Basildon Hospital had stated only 47% of Hospital Orsett was not used, empty or simply a place host for non-clinical services such as records and yet the National Health Service had stated it would cost £10 million to bring Orsett Hospital up to scratch yet £80 million was being proposed to be spent on estate in the borough.

At 9.23pm, Councillor J Kent requested a Point of Order that Councillor Halden should listen to the Cabinet recording that reference the term “a collection of unused buildings”.

Councillor Kerin stated that the Council should continue to fight against the closure of Orsett Hospital as there would be no going back once it had closed.

Councillor Gerrish stated that Members knew the arguments that had been presented and that voting for the Motion would be the right result for residents and requested a requisition vote.

The Mayor called a requisition vote on the Motion.

A requisition vote took place, the result of which was:

For:                  Councillors Abbas, Aker, Akinbohun, Allen, Cherry, Duffin, Fish,                             Fletcher, Gamester, Gerrish, Hamilton, C Kent, J Kent, Kerin,

                        Liddiard, Okunade, Pothecary, Potter, B Rice, Sammons,

                        Sheridan, Shinnick, Smith, Spillman, Worrall (25)

Against:           (0)

Abstain:           Councillors Anderson, Collins, Coxshall, Halden, Hebb, Huelin,

                        Johnson, Kelly, Little, Maney, Piccolo, Redsell, Rigby, Watkins

                        (14)

Whereupon the Mayor declared the Motion carried.

At 9.27pm the Mayor stated that it was the close of the meeting and that Members with Motions still to be heard could either speak on the Motion for no more than three minutes before the Motion will be put to the vote without debate or they may withdraw the Motion and resubmit for the next available meeting. Councillor Spillman stated he would like to speak on his Motion.