Planning approval given for new Women and Children’s Unit at PRH
Planning approval from Telford & Wrekin Council to build a new Women and Children’s Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital for 2014 has been granted The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust said today.
The new unit will be for children who need to stay in hospital overnight and will include a children’s outpatient department and a new children’s cancer and haematology unit. It will also be for women who need a consultant-led delivery and gynaecology patients who require an overnight stay.
Adam Cairns, Chief Executive, said: “This is great news for the people of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and mid Wales as this brings us one step closer to keeping services in the county by providing a fantastic 21st Century healthcare facility for women and children. I would like to thank our doctors, nurses, staff, patients and families for their continued hard work in bringing these plans to fruition.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to the officers at Telford & Wrekin Council for their hard work and co-operation in reaching this decision in a very challenging timeframe.”
Telford & Wrekin Council Leader Councillor Kuldip Sahota said: “We have always said that services should be shared between Shropshire’s two main hospitals and this development will reflect that.
“It is excellent news for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust that it is getting this investment for the Princess Royal Hospital site and excellent modern facilities for everybody who uses this service.
“It all bodes well for PRH’s future and it is part of an intelligent solution for the continued delivery of key health services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.”
As part of the development of new facilities at both hospitals the Trust is developing a Travel and Transport Plan. To help write this plan the Trust is asking for your views and experiences around travel and transport. If you are interested in taking part in one of our workshops then please email future@sath.nhs.uk or call 01743 261183.
The Trust will soon be submitting its Full Business Case for the reconfiguration of hospital services programme to the Trust, Primary Care Trust Cluster and NHS Midlands and East Boards. If the Full Business Case is approved then work will start on building the new unit in the summer, with an expected opening date of summer 2014.
The Trust is continuing to work with staff, patients and families on the detail of what the inside of the unit will look like, including the design, room specifications, play equipment and outside spaces. If you would like to be involved then please email future@sath.nhs.uk. For the latest information on the changes to our hospital services visit www.sath.nhs.uk/future.
This news comes as recruitment continues for the next CEO for the Trust. The post is being advertised nationally today with a closing date of 30th April 2012. One of the key tasks for the new CEO will be to continue this major programme to ensure safe and sustainable hospital services in Shrewsbury and Telford.
