Shropshire Star

Star comment: Take time on hospital decisions

The mantra being applied to the re-organisation of hospital services in Shropshire and Mid Wales is simple: "We'll take our time and do things properly – rather than doing things quickly."

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The county's health chiefs are in no rush to implement a radical transformation of accident and emergency services in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Instead, they are committed to making sure we have a new system that is efficient, cost effective and, above all, fit for purpose.

The region's new Future Fit programme aims to deliver a high quality, sustainable health service for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Powys. It will focus on providing a high tech emergency unit offering round-the-clock services.

  • Shropshire and Mid Wales hospital changes ‘may take longer’

Those who fear the degradation of services elsewhere have been reassured, however, that a number of satellite services will also operate. The health service is seeking to create a hub and spoke system, with a main hub at its centre and a number ofComments 4 urgent care centres elsewhere.

Health chiefs have been keen to reassure the public that there will be minor injuries units at other locations. And they are equally keen to emphasise the high standard of service provided by those units – having been made aware that many people simply drive past them and head for their nearest A&E unit.

The most significant new development among medical clinicians is that work on the region's Future Fit programme will not be slowed by forthcoming elections. Dr Caron Morton, accountable officer for Shropshire Clinical Commissioning groups, has allayed any fears. She has reported that formal consultation on proposals will take place between January and March next year – just before the General Election campaigining starts.

There is a danger, of course, that politicians will use the issue as a political football.

We must hope, however, that they desist from such nefarious practice. Our health chiefs are doing all that they can to provide a system that ensures the best care for patients.

We must now trust our politicians to buy into their work. The long term future of local health services depends on decisions that will be made during the next 12 months.

We must be able to trust health chiefs and politicians alike to act in the public interest.

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