ESSEX MPs met with campaigners to discuss the future of St Peter's Hospital in Maldon.
Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale and Witham MP Priti Patel attended a meeting with campaigners from the Save Maldon Medical Services group.
The meeting focused on protecting and improving healthcare provision following recent decisions by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Ms Patel said: "I was pleased to meet campaigners and councillors to discuss the latest position on St Peter's Hospital.
"Local people have campaigned tirelessly to retain medical services, and their hard work has secured important commitments to keep outpatient services in place in the short term.
"There is still uncertainty over the long-term plans, and I will continue to press the ICB to protect local access to healthcare, accelerate decisions on the replacement hub, and ensure that residents remain fully represented in future planning."
In July, the ICB confirmed it would keep outpatient services at St Peter's for up to five years while planning a new health hub for the site.
However, the ICB also announced the relocation of the birthing unit to Braintree and the transfer of stroke rehabilitation beds to Rochford and Brentwood.
Campaigners have since written to Tom Abell, chief executive of the ICB, seeking clarity on the next steps and how outpatient services will be maintained.
Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, said: "The decision of the ICB to drop the proposal to close St Peter's Hospital was fantastic news and was only achieved due to the strength of the local campaign.
"I congratulate Jo Phillips and her team and look forward to continuing to work closely with them.
"The priority now must be to move ahead with plans for the proposed replacement health hub and in the meantime to ensure that St Peter's continues to provide the full range of outpatient services.
"This needs to take place rapidly and we will therefore be asking the chief executive of the ICB for a meeting with the group in order to agree a clear action plan going forward.
"We will also look to involve local health providers, the town and district councils and other community groups."