MP Kawczynski backing Shropshire hospital web petition
A Shropshire MP is calling on people to sign an online petition in a bid to force a Government review of £35 million plans for a shake-up of the county's two main hospitals.
A Shropshire MP is calling on people to sign an online petition in a bid to force a Government review of £35 million plans for a shake-up of the county's two main hospitals.
Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury, has criticised the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust over its proposals to downgrade women and children's services at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
He is now urging constituents to sign the e-petition on the Government's own website.
If it receives at least 100,000 signatures it will be eligible for a debate in the House of Commons.
Mr Kawczynski said: "Due to the absolute intransigence of the Royal Shrewsbury NHS trust board and chief executive to the concerns of my constituents, I have encouraged campaigners to take this action and am delighted they have.
"The trust's short-sighted proposals must be challenged and what better debating forum than the chamber of the House of Commons. I urge you all to take every measure to promote this petition in order that the required number of signatures is collected to warrant a debate."
The e-petition has been launched by midwife Wendy Hayeck who is demanding that consultant maternity, neonatal and children's services, including oncology, are retained at the RSH.
She said: "If everyone sends it to just 10 others we should reach our goal of 100,000 signatures and force a Government review of the plans."
The e-petition already has 366 signatures and has a closing date of April 13, 2012. To sign it go to http://epetitions.direct.gov.u k/petitions/18989
Under the shake-up, women and children's services would be downgraded at the RSH but it would become the main surgical centre in the county.
Telford's Princess Royal Hospital would take on consultant maternity and neonatal and paediatric units.
Adam Cairns, chief executive of SaTH, said: "I understand that any change to health services can cause anxiety.
"But through these proposals we aim to ensure that we can continue to provide high quality, safe hospital services for whenever you or your family need them. The alternative is that more of the services we currently offer would not be available in our hospitals in future.
"Despite these changes, I can reassure you that the vast majority of our patients will continue to go to the same hospital as they do now."
By Russell Roberts
