Future Fit: 'Dithering' over Shropshire health care decision causing worry and frustration
"Dithering and delays" on the reorganisation of the county's hospitals is causing frustration and worry to residents, a senior councillor has said.
Councillor David Lloyd has voiced fears that any further delay in the Future Fit programme could lead to outside intervention with a decision being taken "out of our hands" and by those who don't understand the county's needs.
He said: "I'm frustrated by how long this has taken, and I fear that soon enough any further delays might result in decisions on the future health needs of Shropshire being determined by those who don't understand the area."
His comments come following a meeting of the Local Joint Committeefor Gobowen, St Martins and Weston Rhyn, in Gobowen where healthcare was the focus of the agenda.
"The LJC has supported a three-point call for speedy action to end uncertainty over the NHS Future Fit process in the county," he said.
A meeting of the Future Fit programme board is due to take place on Monday, though health chiefs have not yet confirmed it will go ahead.
It is believed that a final decision could be held up because officials in Shropshire need NHS "feedback" before a decision is made.
Debbie Vogler, Future Fit programme director, said NHS England feedback was needed by Monday to allow the process to move forward.
If nothing comes before that date, rules involving the forthcoming Shropshire Council elections mean a decision will be delayed until after May 2017.
