Shropshire Star

Future Fit bid does make sense – Shropshire health bosses

Health bosses in Shropshire have hit back at claims that the Future Fit plans make “no sense”.

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Councillor Shaun Davies, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, called for the proposals to be reconsidered, saying they go against the will of the people.

His comments came as health officials confirmed their choice of Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as the preferred location for the county’s only A&E department.

The move, taken by the Future Fit programme board, rubber stamps the recommendation ahead of a vote on the plans, which will take place on January 29.

Under the proposals one of the sites will become home to the county’s only A&E department, while the other will take on responsibility for planned care.

Councillor Davies said the plans for Shrewsbury’s hospital make no sense, would waste money, and said he had called on the Government to intervene.

But today a joint statement by David Evans, chief officer of Telford & Wrekin CCG, and Dr Simon Freeman, accountable officer for NHS Shropshire CCG, hit back at his claims.

It said: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say during the Future Fit consultation.

“We value all feedback and would like to assure people that all comments have been taken into account as part of our ‘conscientious consideration’ phase. Your comments have also helped inform what plans the CCGs needed to put in place to help lessen any negative impact that the chosen option may have on our communities.

“We have made it clear throughout the process that the consultation is not a vote.”

They said the funding had been approved and supported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which has made £312 million available to improve hospital services in the area.

They said: “We are confident that both options are affordable.

“Although the building costs for the preferred option are more, Option 1 provides the best value for money and greatest long term benefit for every pound spent for people in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.”