Star letter: A breakthrough in the listening process
How nice to hear the pledge from NHS boss David Evans, that: "What we need to do is take time to listen to everyone who has voiced concerns and engage them in arriving at solutions to the challenges we face" (Star, May 13).
It's a shame that the listening process seems to have begun by removing from the 'Future Fit' mailing list myself and others who have challenged plans for NHS cuts!
The reality is one of a project that is in deep crisis. Shropshire's GPs are opposed to Future Fit. They know this is about cutting hospital care and hoping that GPs and community services can somehow pick up the extra work without the money and staff to cover it.
Members of the public are overwhelmingly opposed to A&E closure and the downgrading of one of our hospitals. We know that closing an A&E means a death sentence for the critically ill patients who need emergency care quickly. That's why we need both A&Es: the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford's Princess Royal.
It's brilliant that the Board of Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group voted to reject the blueprint for taking forward the Future Fit cuts and closures plan. Future Fit is currently on hold because even the CCG headed up by David Evans doesn't support it! A real listening process means accepting that Future Fit is going nowhere, and working with GPs and the public on developing an alternative. Are you listening, Mr Evans?
Gill George, Chair, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Defend Our NHS
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