Anger over A&E misinformation

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies has blasted Shropshire health chiefs over their handling of their public consultation on services in the county that will affect north Powys residents.

Mr Davies said fears that the Accident and Emergency service at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital would close and be moved to Telford were unfounded but Shropshire health bosses have failed to deny this, instead allowing speculation and rumour to run wild.

His comments follow a meeting he had with other MPs and health bosses in Shrewsbury where he discussed the health consultation and told officials of his frustration.

He said: “There is no suggestion that A&E services are to be moved away from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. There never has been. I have been deeply frustrated that rumours of Shrewsbury A&E closing have been allowed to develop and cause great concern to the people of Montgomeryshire, when no such suggestion is being made.

“I realise they are trying to undertake a process of engagement with the people before making any statement about future services, but they are making a ‘pigs ear’ of it - and  it’s been downright irresponsible to allow false rumours to gather momentum and worry people without reason."

Mr Davies added: “Shropshire NHS leaders don’t seem to understand how much the people of Montgomeryshire value emergency and urgent care at Shrewsbury. I’m not the only MP who has been left seething by their bizarre silence in the face of growing public concern – like hearing shouts of ‘FIRE’ in the Australian bush, and then watching everyone panic while they carry on chatting amongst themselves, when there is actually no fire."

Mr Davies told the meeting that he supported the public consultation over health services in Shropshire and was pleased that attempts were being made to engage with residents in Montgomeryshire who use the services.

He has met with doctors, health chiefs and officials in Montgomeryshire in recent weeks to discuss the issue and any impact it will have on the area.

However, there does remain concern that while the A&E facility at Shrewsbury will remain open, the level of services provided could change, with certain emergency cases being referred to other hospitals for emergency treatment.