Hospital D-day nears

 

Protestors have demonstrated in the their hundreds, and thousands have signed petitions to block plans by the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospitals Trust to shift vital services, particularly paediatric, 14 miles further east to Telford.

 

The move, protestors claim, will place lives in danger and earlier this year they formed a human chain around the hospital as a symbol of defiance and support.

 

The Trust’s executives have been behind closed doors since finalising their plans which are expected to be released soon. But this latest development to meet directly with local groups was revealed this morning (Wednesday) by MP Glyn Davies who has met with the Shropshire health chiefs.

“Reconfiguration of health services in Shropshire is very important to the people of Montgomeryshire,” he said. “We want to retain as many services as possible in Shrewsbury, rather than be transferred to Telford. Inevitably, I am disappointed that paediatric services, which are currently available at both hospitals, are to be concentrated at a brand new £28million specialist unit at Telford.

"While I strongly disagree with the transfer of any services from Shrewsbury to Telford, I do welcome the continuation of a full trauma A&E service at Shrewsbury. I also welcome new working arrangements between the ambulance services of Shropshire and those of Wales, which should improve ambulance waiting times.

“I explained to the Trust leaders that full and proper discussion with affected groups in Montgomeryshire is crucial if confidence is to be retained in the Shropshire health service provision - and I am very pleased that this is now going to happen. There will be meetings with Powys County Council, the Town Councils of Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes, the Community Health Council and several other local interested groups.  I also hope that any concerns will be shared with me, so that I can raise them with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Trust.”