No reason to change child care
Along with approximately 500 other people, I attended the meeting held on October 3 at The Place, to hear the PCT's present proposals regarding the PRH and paediatric services in particular.
I left the meeting convinced that not a single reason had been advanced that gave any justification whatsoever to the trust's proposition to downgrade paediatric services.
The service plan distributed prior to the meeting states: "The overriding issue is the need to offer the children who need it access to high quality medical care at all times."
How can anyone believe that taking sick children to Shrewsbury in the middle of the night instead of treating them at Telford would not have the potential to jeopardise their health?
We were told about the deficit of £34 million and the need to cut costs, and that by reducing paediatric services at the PRH the trusts would save £20,000.
The EU Working Time Directive was then put forward as a contributory factor; fears were raised on clinical sustainability; then recruitment difficulties.
Each of these points was shown to be irrelevant by people in the audience, including GPs, and medical and nursing staff.
There is another consultation meeting scheduled for November 13 at the Cordingly Hall, Donnington, from 7pm. Please go along.
Cllr Bob Groom, Independent Member for Wrockwardine Wood and Trench Ward, Telford & Wrekin Council
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