Risks of Telford or Shrewsbury A&E closure must be understood, says bosses

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is considering whether to temporarily close the accident and emergency department at Shrewsbury or Telford overnight due to staffing shortages.

Hospital bosses say both departments will only be able to stay open 24-hours-a-day if the situation improves and have sought help from neighbouring trusts.

A report is due to be brought to SaTH 's trust board at the end of the month.

David Evans, chief officer of Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, told a recent meeting of the CCG governance board: "We wish to understand the relevant risks of each of the options before the board makes a decision."

He said the CCG has asked SaTH for this information and will be providing its feedback to the trust, although it will ultimately be the trust's decision as to what happens.

Mr Evans said SaTH had asked for assistance from neighbouring trusts but there was still a shortage of middle grade doctors.

He said: "For us, it's the assurance they are taking the right action.

"I think the A&Es are very fragile. I think staff are working incredibly hard in difficult circumstances.

"They have gone over and above to deliver services in a difficult situation."

Recruitment

Mr Evans said a quality summit meeting, involving the CCGs, SaTH, neighbouring trusts and West Midlands Ambulance Service, was taking place today to discuss winter pressures.

The accident and emergency situation in Shropshire is also expected to be on the agenda.

At SaTH's last trust board meeting, medical director Dr Edwin Borman said the numbers of consultants and middle grade doctors, who also act as senior decision makers, were much lower than needed, despite recruitment campaigns.

Dr Borman said there were also gaps in the junior doctor workforce and further challenges with nursing staff.

He said three options are being considered about how to manage the situation, but stressed no decisions have yet been taken.

The first option involves finding a way to maintain both A&E departments at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

The other two options would involve the overnight closure of either A&E in Shrewsbury or Telford between 8pm and 8am.

It would force some patients to have to travel to an A&E outside of the county, with ambulances being diverted.

The next SaTH trust board meeting will take place on September 27.