Healthcare provision is staying
Having read the consultation document for healthcare provision proposals across Shropshire, I am delighted it has been confirmed that full A&E services will be retained on both sites. Certain individuals have been telling us for months that A&E would close and the hospital was under threat, so a full commitment to the PRH is very welcome.
The campaign for a balance of services between the two hospital sites has been listened to, with urology services coming to Telford, and investment in cardiology services and renal dialysis.
We have two hospitals operating a variety of services that are complementary to each other and serve the needs across Shropshire.
Non-emergency, day care and appointment-based services can be done on either site as long as the transport infrastructure is looked at in more depth to help access to these services. An issue for debate is whether it would be better if some services were provided in the community to help the process of identifying need and ease of access. However, I am very concerned about the proposals regarding paediatric services. The removal of 24-hour consultant-led services at the PRH cannot be allowed to happen.
I am against these proposals and I urge people who feel the same to make their views known. David Wright MP and Dr Andy Inglis are holding a postcard campaign over the coming months and I urge you to sign a card in support of retaining full paediatric services at the PRH.
Cllr Richard Overton, St Georges, Telford
