Shropshire Star

Telford MP Lucy Allan calls for decision on Future Fit

Telford MP Lucy Allan has called on the Department of Health to stop the uncertainty and make a decision now on Future Fit.

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Telford MP Lucy Allan

A future shake-up of Shropshire hospital services lies in the hands of NHS England, which wants to know that funding is available for the scheme.

Ms Allan has called for answers, saying the uncertainty has gone on for long enough.

She said: "The uncertainty surrounding this proposed reconfiguration has now dragged into its fourth year, and we are well overdue a decision about future provision.

"Patients and staff at our hospitals deserve better and it is now time for the Department of Health to make a decision on Future Fit."

She added: "Future Fit, and safeguarding and future-proofing of our hospitals, should be supported and I am pleased that there is full consensus on this among Shropshire MPs."

She also raised the issue in the House of Commons last week.

It follows calls by other health bosses that a decision needs to be made.

Dr Julian Povey, chair of Shropshire clinical commissioning group, said earlier this week that it was getting to the point where it is 'farcical'.

The Future Fit proposals could cost in the region of £300 million to bring to fruition.

Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin clinical commissioning groups have signed off a preferred option for the future of the county’s hospital services.

The preferred option involves a single A&E unit at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, while planned services would be centred at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital.

It also involves moving the consultant-led women and children’s unit to Shrewsbury, although Telford would retain a midwife-led unit.

Both hospitals would have an urgent care centre.

The second option would be for PRH to house Shropshire’s emergency department and for RSH to become the planned care site.