Decision on future of Accident and Emergency services in Shropshire delayed

The decision would have seen a location being chosen for a single A&E site for the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin area, it was expected to be made at a Future Fit meeting this afternoon.

Options included the single A&E service being located at either the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford or the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The decision was delayed as the Future Fit programme says it cannot progress any hospital reconfiguration option for consultation until it more effectively tackles Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust’s deficit, due to reach almost £23 million next year.

Telford & Wrekin Council says it is unbelievable that a process can spend two years developing options that fail to address such a fundamental and obvious issue.

Deputy council leader and chair of health and well-being Richard Overton said: “I am sure the public will be flabbergasted that the NHS has taken almost two years and spent so much money to arrive at a blindingly obvious conclusion.

“Any proposed solution has to address SaTH’s deficit. Those that are on the table just make a small dent, cause huge upheaval and in eyes of those at the top in the NHS are simply non-starters.

“How we ever got to this position begs the question – is Future Fit fit for purpose? Common sense says not.”

“Despite what we think are some very questionable decision-making processes, the Future Fit juggernaut continues rolling and if unchecked, the PRH’s future, as an acute hospital, will be as a downgraded hospital stripped of its A&E."

The future of the £28 million Women and Children’s Centre, which opened at the Princess Royal Hospital one year ago, is also in doubt as it could be relocated to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The review’s recommendations are now on hold until next year to allow a solution that addresses SaTH deficit to be found.