MORE than 1,000 residents responded to a health consultation that could see up to £1.5million of cuts.

The Mid Essex clinical commissioning group, one of the most financially challenged of such bodies in the country, wants to limit physiotherapy referrals and slash other services in a bid to fill a £24.9 million budget deficit.

Health bosses are considering either stopping all GP referrals for physiotherapy, limiting the service to one assessment and a follow-up or giving telephone advice only to save between £600,000 and £1 million.

More than 330 people gave feedback on these proposals, with residents saying the cuts would see a greater burden on GP surgeries, making the service more costly in the long term.

People also said they were worried about an increase in A&E attendances and the cost of private physiotherapy for those who would be unable to afford private treatment, while it would not be possible to diagnose a patient properly over the phone.

Opposition was also voiced to plans to save £335,000 a year by not routinely funding hearing aids for people with mild hearing loss.

Almost 300 people responded to this proposal, claiming that it would impact on the quality of life, work, social situations, esteem, loneliness or even depression.

They were also concerned that people would be forced to drop out of work early, be discouraged from having hearing tests and would not be able to afford hearing aids privately.

Saving £100,000 by slashing prescriptions for gluten free foods was also opposed, as buying it from supermarkets is two to three times more expensive and would affect people on a limited budget.

More than 400 people responded, with some saying this would deny a patient group what is essentially their medication.

Over 100 people gave feedback on the proposal that vasectomies and female sterilisation would not be routinely funded, around half of which were from health professionals.

People said this would restrict choice and increase the risk of unwanted pregnancies, with low income households unable to afford private healthcare. The proposals would save £256,000 a year.

The consultation ended last Monday and all responses will be included in a report presented to the group’s board at its next public meeting at 1.30pm on January 28 at Spring Lodge Community Centre, Powers Hall End, Witham.