Nursing boost if A&E closed, claims Shropshire councillor
Community hospitals across Shropshire will be staffed with nurses better equipped to deal with emergences should one of the county's A&E units close, a councillor has claimed.
Councillor Gerald Dakin told a meeting of Whitchurch Town Council it was essential that either the A&E unit at the Royal Shrewsbury or Telford's Princess Royal Hospital was shut.
Speaking at a meeting held in Whitchurch Civic Centre last night, Councillor Dakin backed controversial plans to close one of the units.
It comes after hospital chief executive Peter Herring warned it would be "unrealistic" for both hospitals to continue delivering 24-hour specialist services, such as A&E and intensive care in the future.
Councillor Dakin said: "There is not enough action for the two sites and because of that it is difficult to recruit a good consultant or even a trainee consultant because it is not a good career move.
"Should one of the units close, community hospitals will be looked at to provide more care closer to home and to avoid travel. Minor injuries units will be opened 8am until 8pm in all community hospitals, that's Whitchurch, Bridgnorth, Bishop's Castle and Ludlow.
"You will be able to go to these hospitals instead of A&E. The whole health economy is working together rather than in their own little silos to make sure people get the best possible service."
Councillor Dakin said at present many people were unaware what services existed in community hospitals.
