Shropshire hospitals shake-up passes first hurdle
Thursday 24th March 2011, 12:48PM GMT.
SHROPSHIRE HEALTH chiefs have given their backing to plans for a major shake-up of services at the county’s two main hospitals.
The Shropshire County Primary Care Trust board unanimously supported proposals which will see women and children’s services moved from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to Telford’s Princess Royal. Shrewsbury would be the main surgical centre under the plans.
The primary care trust has given its support as the “basis for the development of more detailed implementation plans”.
In particular it is seeking improved ambulance response times and the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust to identify ways of mitigating travel times for people in Mid Wales and the west of Shropshire.
Earlier the hospital trust had “commended” the proposals, before Shropshire’s PCT unanimously supported them.
NHS Telford and Wrekin was also today expected to follow suit and give its backing to the plans at a separate meeting.
Dr John Davies, hospital trust chairman, said the first decision of the day marked the start of a “new era” of healthcare for the people of Shropshire.
He said the aim was to develop services the public could be proud of.
Adam Cairns, hospital trust chief executive, earlier told the board that changes were needed because the county had already lost some services and was “on the brink” of losing more.
His comments came on a pivotal day which will help determine the long-term future of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal.
Health officials and many clinicians are warning that changes are needed to ensure services remain safe and sustainable.
But campaigners claim the proposals could put the lives of mothers and babies in danger.
By Health Correspondent Dave Morris
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They were never going to do anything but!!!…
They have ignored the 40,000 people who said No to this!
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all from wales
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A classic public consultation. Almost Orwellian in its cynicism.
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and they have done what the other 460,000 have said yes to…
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Why did they ask the public if they didn’t care what they thought. This is disgusting and it shows they just don’t care about people.
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