Ambulance chief in plea on Telford and Shrewsbury A&Es
The man in charge of Shropshire's ambulance services has called for accident and emergency services to remain at both of the county's main hospitals.
Anthony Marsh, the chief executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Trust, says he believes the current system of having departments at both the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford's Princess Royal Hospitals serves the county well.
It comes after hospital chief executive Peter Herring warned it would be "unrealistic" for both hospitals to continue delivering 24-hour specialist services, such as A&E and intensive care, in future.
Mr Marsh made his comments during a meeting with Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski.
He said: "I believe the current A&E configuration serves the population well.
"I am very keen to work with colleagues to do everything we can to ensure we continue to provide excellent A&E services on both current hospital sites in Shropshire."
Mr Kawczynski said: "I do not want to have further pressure placed on the ambulance service by patients being forced to travel to one hospital or another as we only have one A&E in Shropshire."
Mr Herring said: "Whilst our hospitals do provide a safe service now, it is clear that they will face increasing challenges.
"We must not compromise on the safety of the services we provide for our patients. So, it is vital that we look in detail at the best way to provide acute and community hospital services in future.
"In order to meet the changing needs of our patients and communities we have to recognise that there is an increasing elderly population, with more people living longer with chronic health conditions. There are life-saving but very expensive new technologies that provide the best diagnosis and treatment. A debate about the future is not just necessary, it will save lives."
More than 1,000 people have now signed a petition set up by Telford MP David Wright to protect accident and emergency services at PRH.
A similar petition was launched by Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard after the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital's NHS Trust started a "dialogue" about the future of specialist hospital services in the county in the light of cash restraints. Mr Wright said: "The depth of feeling shown across the town is reflected in the support given to both Telford & Wrekin MPs' stance."
