A Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) serving patients across Thurrock, Basildon, Brentwood, and surrounding areas is set to relocate from Orsett Hospital to Thurrock Community Hospital in Grays from Monday, 2 November 2026. The unit, operated by North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), will move into more modern facilities.
The upgraded service will be situated alongside the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), aiming to provide faster diagnosis and treatment for more individuals. NHS Essex has secured nearly £1 million in national funding to facilitate this move and enhance the John Tallack Centre, where the MIU will be based.
Upon its opening on Monday 2 November, the MIU will continue its seven-day walk-in service, operating from 10am to 7:30pm. It will treat minor injuries including wounds, bumps, sprains, broken bones, minor eye injuries, and minor burns. The associated x-ray service, provided by the Community Diagnostic Centre, will be available daily from 8am to 8pm.
"This is more than a change of location. It is part of an investment programme to improve and expand urgent care services for people across south west and mid Essex," stated Samantha Goldberg, Executive Director of Commissioning Acute and Adult Mental Health Services. She added that the move aligns with patient feedback prioritising faster diagnosis and treatment, bringing care, tests, and treatment together for a more efficient service. The NHS plans to develop a future Urgent Treatment Centre to manage a wider range of conditions, easing pressure on emergency departments.
The relocated service will be staffed by the same experienced team currently working at Orsett Hospital. The move also promises a better environment with a larger waiting area, improving the overall patient and staff experience.
“"We are pleased to be moving our Minor Injuries Unit to a modern, purpose-built environment at Thurrock Community Hospital. This investment will help us continue to provide high-quality care for local people, with improved facilities, better patient experience and closer access to diagnostic services. Importantly, patients will continue to be cared for by the same experienced NELFT team they know and trust."
NHS Essex is collaborating with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), which manages the Thurrock Community Hospital site, to ensure adequate parking, access, and signage. Furthermore, the NHS is working with Healthwatch Thurrock and local communities to incorporate patient feedback into the service's development.
The service is planned to evolve into an Urgent Treatment Centre by April 2027, expanding its scope to include minor illnesses alongside injuries, with extended opening hours. This future UTC is projected to serve nearly 54,000 patients annually, a significant increase from the current MIU's approximately 29,000 patients.
Frequently asked questions regarding the move from Orsett Hospital to Thurrock Community Hospital are available, explaining the reasons for the relocation, implications for patients, and access details for the new location.
