Shropshire Star

Busiest day of the year for Shropshire's A&Es

More than 400 people visited Shropshire’s two main A&E departments at the start of the week – their busiest day of the year so far.

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Hospital officials said Monday saw more than 400 people visiting Shropshire’s two main A&E departments at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital Telford.

They said it was the trust's busiest day since August 30, the day after a bank holiday weekend, and equates to 17 patients every hour for 24 hours.

Sara Biffen, deputy chief operating officer at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, has previously said: “We know that for some, a journey to A&E is essential, but we also know there are many people who do not need the specialist care that our A&Es provide.

“Once again we would ask people to please think carefully about alternative local services.

“These do not provide less of a service for non-urgent conditions, but can help people avoid a lengthy and stressful visit to hospital.”

The A&E pressure comes amid continuing controversy about the stalled Future Fit review and the wish of hospital bosses for a single specialist A&E to be based at RSH.