MPs and council leader agree to work together for Telford's hospital

Telford MP Lucy Allan and Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard have called for the council to stop "politicising" the issue.

Last night, at a full council meeting, councillors from Telford & Wrekin Council discussed a vote of no confidence in the management of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust and were calling for the Secretary of State to intervene in decisions over the PRH, after it was announced that board members were looking at proposals that could see its A&E department close overnight.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Telford & Wrekin Council leader, Shaun Davies said he also wants to work with the MPs to ensure the borough gets the best deal.

Mr Pritchard said: “Lucy and I are completely united in fighting for the very best future for the Princess Royal Hospital.

“We are calling on the local Labour leadership to work with us for the common good rather than using the hospital as a political football.”

Ms Allan has previously accused political activists of “misleading and misinforming” constituents about the future of the hospital, saying A&E services and Women and Children’s services are safe.

Health bosses have said the move to close the A&E overnight would only be as a last resort, but councillors still say they are concerned.

Council Leader Shaun Davies said: “Telford and Wrekin Council continue to work hard to protect services at the PRH, the motion of no confidence in the senior leadership of the Trust has been arrived at on a cross party basis with all three group leaders agreeing, in advance, its wording. The agreed motion was a result of a Conservative motion. The leadership of the council has always made clear that it wishes to work with both MPs whether than be keeping our residents informed, meeting the minister and showing the need for more investment and resources into our NHS in Telford and Wrekin and Shropshire.”

“I want to repeat that today; Mark and Lucy hold very powerful roles as MPs in a balanced Parliament and I want to work with them to ensure we get the best type of investment and support for our NHS.

“We all agree the downgrading of our A&E and the downgrading of the Woman and Children Unit, which was opened 3 years ago and enjoy near on universal appreciation amongst patients does not make sense.

“Leading doctors have made clear that the A&E and the Woman and Children unit should stay in Telford and can do with investment into community care in Shropshire.”