Shropshire Star

Telford A&E closure would be issue for whole of Shropshire, says council leader

The possible closure of Telford's A&E department is not just an issue for the borough – but for the whole of Shropshire, claims the council leader.

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Councillor Shaun Davies has written to councillors covering Shropshire to try and curry further support for the ongoing campaign to keep A&E services in place at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital.

Councillor Davies has written to town and parish councils covering areas bordering Telford, whose residents are likely use the hospital and will be equally affected by its closure.

Telford & Wrekin Council is currently running a campaign dubbed PRH4Me which urges people to show their support for the hospital and currently has more than 13,920 signatures.

Bosses hoped the campaign would show how much public support there is for the hospital in the run-up to a planned reshuffle of key health services in Shropshire, with thousands now having signed the pledge.

He said: "I'm committed to gathering as much support for the PRH4Me campaign as possible to retain vital service at the Princess Royal Hospital.

"I've already contacted all parish and town councils in the borough, and in bordering areas who undoubtedly have residents who use the services at the PRH, to ask for support for our campaign.

"Support is building every day and I intend to keep the momentum going and contact all those who I believe can play a part in gathering support from the local communities who rely on these services, whether that is town and parish councils, ward members, businesses, organisations or individuals.

"I will do all I can to make our voice heard, it is not acceptable that we face losing vital health services in the borough."

The move comes after the Labour leader joined forces with Shropshire's Tory leader Malcolm Pate to urge health secretary Jeremy Hunt to veto any plans for an overnight closure of one of the county's emergency units.

In a joint letter, the pair express their "deep concern" and say it is "vital for the safety of residents" that A&E units at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital remain open until the Future Fit health review is resolved.

NHS bosses had been expected to push for the closure of Princess Royal Hospital's A&E department last week, but instead delayed the decision following a legal threat by Telford & Wrekin Council.

To pledge support for the campaign visit www.prh4me.co.uk

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