Hospital chiefs today agreed a plan which removes the immediate threat of vascular surgery being transferred from Telford’s Princess Royal to Shrewsbury.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust board approved a recommendation from chief executive Tom Taylor that a countywide vascular rota should be developed, including the appointment of a sixth vascular surgeon, while retaining emergency general and vascular surgery on both sites in the meanwhile.

Today’s move puts in-tense pressure on the county’s two primary care trusts to reject a proposal to adopt an immediate plan to consolidate vascular surgery at the Royal Shrewsbury.

The proposal has led to widespread anger in Telford & Wrekin. Formal decisions are due to be taken by the Shropshire County PCT tomorrow and by NHS Telford & Wrekin on Monday.

Mr Taylor’s plan will see six vascular surgeons working at the two hospitals.

There will always be one such specialist on call, something which has never happened since the Princess Royal opened 20 years ago.

But the hospital trust board also agreed to consult with health watchdogs on a proposal to consolidate vascular surgery on one site.

Mr Taylor told his board this was the “gold standard” service it should aspire to in three to five years’ time.

Andrew Eade, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council which has been campaigning vigorously to keep vascular and other key services at the Princess Royal, welcomed today’s decision.

• An extraordinary meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council will be held tonight to discuss the threat to services at the Princess Royal Hospital. It starts at 6.30pm at Telford Civic Offices. Members of the public may attend if they wish.