Tories' county hospital row

The Conservatives have named the PRH in a research document as one of 29 hospitals at risk from cuts because of the possible loss of maternity facilities.

But hospital bosses reacted immediately, saying the information in the report was "totally unfounded" and calling for a correction.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust chief executive Tom Taylor said the claims could cause unnecessary worry to local women and staff. He also set about updating the trust's staff bulletin to reassure workers.

"I can confirm that the information in this report is totally unfounded and there is no threat," he said.

"Last year we reviewed our maternity services. We made a commitment to retain the model of care which includes the obstetric unit in Shrewsbury and the five midwife-led across Shropshire and Telford. That commitment has not changed."

No-one was available from the Conservatives for comment.

Mr Cameron was due to visit Sandwell Hospital this afternoon, which his party says will have to take patients from Birmingham's City Hospital if it is downgraded.

His visit has also coincided with a separate independent report which suggests that the closure of accident and emergency departments could cost lives.

Findings by Sheffield University show the further that seriously ill patients have to travel by ambulance, the more likely they are to die.

Professor Jon Nicholl, director of the university's Medical Care research Unit, said some emergency patients such as those who were in anaphylactic shock or suffering an acute asthma attack were at risk from longer journeys.

The Government is proposing downgrading some district hospitals in favour of treating patients at larger regional centres where expert consultants and complex equipment are available 24 hours a day.

By Dave Morris and John Hipwood