New A&E Centre WILL be at Shrewsbury

It’s finally confirmed – the new Accident & Emergency Centre in Shropshire will be based at Shrewsbury.

Despite protests from Telford & Wrekin Council Health Secretary Matt Hancock has accepted advice that Future Fit should proceed with the county's emergency centre based in Shrewsbury.

Mr Hancock said: "The new model of hospital care should be implemented, and that the emergency care centre is better located at the RSH.

"The urgent care model should enable as much clinically appropriate care to be delivered at the Princess Royal Hospital at Telford as possible."

The news was welcomed by Powys health campaigner and Powys County Councillor Joy Jones of Newtown.

"It was fantastic to see a letter sent to a Telford councillor that confirms that the emergency care centre ( A&E) is recommended to be located in Shrewsbury hospital and after months of uncertainly it’s wonderful to have this information," she said.

"We still need a slight note of caution until we’ve seen the full report and recommendations referred to in the letter - but excellent news for everyone who has worked so hard to make sure that Shrewsbury Hospital continues to provide vital life saving care for people right across Mid Wales, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

"The Secretary of State has accepted this independent advice that Shrewsbury should be the emergency care centre, and now it’s vital that this moves forward quickly to bring to an end the years of uncertainty that have made it so hard for patients and NHS staff.”