Future Fit: 'Don't give in to blackmail' call by MP on Shropshire A&E decision
A Shropshire MP has called for a decision to be made on the future of the county's two main hospitals ahead of a crunch meeting today.
Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski said today was "a day for unity, bravery and clarity" as members of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin clinical commissioning groups prepare to receive recommendations from the NHS Future Fit board.
He has accused senior officials at Telford & Wrekin Council of "intimidation and blackmail" after the authority threatened to launch legal action should proposals to downgrade the A&E unit at Princess Royal Hospital go ahead.
See also: Telford council leader hits back at MP over 'intimidation' claim
The Future Fit review has recommended that the best option would be to have one A&E serving Shropshire and Mid Wales at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Telford's PRH would be left with a 24-hour urgent care centre instead.
The Women and Children's Centre at PRH would also move to Shrewsbury.
Mr Kawczynski today urged the boards to back the recommendation so a service can be provided that will benefit the whole of Shropshire.
He said: "Today is a day for unity, bravery and clarity. I urge our local CCG boards to work together to make a decision for the benefit of the whole of our local population.
"I wish them courage to stand up to the bullying tactics of some local councillors who do not understand how precarious our hospital services are.
"I ask them to provide clarity for our local population and our doctors and nurses so that we may together begin the work of developing new services for our children and grandchildren.
"This is not about one town winning or losing; this is about building a modern, safe system for the next generation.
"In 11 years I have been a local MP I have never known a more critical and concerning situation for not just my constituents but for all the people in Shropshire and Mid Wales.
"We have had independent analysis from 300 doctors and clinicians of the situation and they have come up with the solution.
"Telford & Wrekin Council, without a shred of medical expertise among the lot of them, seem to feel they can blackmail and intimidate these medical experts into submission.
"I am appalled and staggered at their conduct.
"Those who oppose these changes do not seem to realise that remaining as we are risks a catastrophic failure of one of our key services.
"I am worried that without action, my constituents may be harmed by this.
"I am urging both Shropshire and Telford to have the courage to stand up to the intimidation and fight for what is right for the people in Shropshire."
The joint meeting of the two CCGs will start at 6.30pm at the Telford International Centre.
