Future Fit: Politicians can't allow health reform to stay in limbo, says MP Glyn Davies
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies has claimed any self-respecting politician can't allow the Future Fit process to be stalled any longer.
Mr Davies has criticised health bosses for the "unacceptable amount of time patients have been left in limbo" awaiting a decision on reform of the region's hospital services.
His comments come after Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt vowed to step in after saying plans to reorganise hospital services in Shropshire and Mid Wales has taken "much too long".
"I have to agree with Jeremy Hunt I'm afraid. I think he does have to step in. After the utter shambles that local decision makers have left the process in, I can't see much choice," said Mr Davies. "The future of the NHS in Shropshire and Mid Wales is too important to be left just hanging in the air." He said: "It's taken three years and £2 million and still nothing. It's simply unacceptable. It's an unacceptable amount of time for patients to be left in limbo but also our hospitals.
"Nobody would have wanted intervention from outside the area but now I think it looks to be the way forward.
"Clinicians are telling us emergency care needs a reform, and it's going to be extremely dangerous if that reform doesn't happen."
Last week Mr Davies warned there will be a "tragedy" if health bosses decided not to go to consultation with consultants' preferred option for a new emergency centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Following questions in the House of Commons this week, Mr Hunt pledged to meet Telford MP Lucy Allan in a bid to bring the ongoing situation to a conclusion. It comes after members of the county's two clinical commissioning groups rejected the NHS Future Fit board's recommendations.
The Future Fit review had recommended having one A&E serving Shropshire and Mid Wales at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. The Princess Royal Hospital's A&E would be downgraded and its women and children's unit would also be moved to RSH.
All six panel members from Shropshire CCG voted for taking the plans to public consultation but the six members representing Telford & Wrekin CCG voted against.
