Shropshire Star

Agreement needs to be made quickly on future of NHS services

I had the pleasure of discussing the future of NHS provision and the Sustainable Services Plan for Telford and Shropshire with two senior clinicians.

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Telford & Wrekin parish and town councils had invited them to attend a meeting so that we could hear more about their views and gather some facts.

I say ‘pleasure’ because it was – they spoke about the care of the residents in the county, not about the Future Fit process or politics, but about the needs of the people in language that I could understand.

The main message is that an agreement needs to be made quickly so that the options can be debated through public consultation. The situation at present is close to a catastrophe but one that can be avoided if action is taken soon.

Both options, known as B and C1, will offer a 24-hour urgent care service with better facilities than we currently have in both hospitals. Fighting for A&E at both sites is not an option, as, in its current form, it is not able to meet the needs and demands of our changing population.

I am asking that the decision makers take time to listen to those that provide the care. Their assurances that our children, older people and everyone in between, will be safer and better cared for as a result of the proposed changes are based on fact. The proposal will be based on providing the appropriate care, at the right time, by the best team and for patients to then return to be as close to home as possible. This has to be what is best for the patients and their families.

Both authorities can help and support the process and provision by ensuring that adequate and appropriate public transport is available to both sites in order that everyone can access the wonderful service that our NHS can provide.

Katrina Baker MBE, Waters Upton