Reasons to be hopeful for future of Ludlow Hospital

With ongoing uncertainty over things such as the location of Shropshire's A&E units, the future of rural maternity services and the provision of the Shropdoc out of hours service, Peter Corfield, chairman of The League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital has said local supporters should focus on what they can do to help bolster services at the town hospital – and, he added, that is plenty as x-ray facilities are due to be upgraded among other things.

He said: "Just about every aspect of the NHS seems to be 'under review' at the moment, either nationally or locally.

"Local residents, and the public at large, need to have some comfort that the services they need will be available locally. We have actively sought some assurance about the future of Ludlow hospital and at every turn we are told that the hospital is not under threat of closure.

"As our primary purpose is to support and provide comforts for patients and users of our facilities we must remain convinced that this local need will be met and we will challenge any move to the contrary.

"Within our hospital there are many positive developments. The ultrasound scanning is operating to capacity and discussions are continuing with the obstetric consultant to provide on-site ante natal scans and Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital may well use it for its Ludlow clinics.

"RJAH is also considering additional Ludlow clinics especially as we will be funding the upgrade of x-ray facilities, which will also aid the minor injuries unit, which at long last is fully staffed.

"Proposals for the replacement of x-ray equipment are now finalised and we will purchase the equipment at a cost of £150,000 whilst the NHS will fund the modifications to the building.

"We have recently completed the purchase of physiotherapy equipment for ankle, knee and hip assessment and treatment at a cost of £3,000, using funds donated in memory of the late Joyce Thomas.

"We have also replaced the exercise cycle, due to its untimely expiry, for a further £1,300. We will also provide an additional probe for the ultrasound scanner at a cost of £6,000."

He said recruitment at the hospital had clearly seen some "difficulty" recently, some progress had been made.

"All unregistered nurse vacancies have been filled and ward sisters should also soon be appointed. Bed occupancy has been running at over 95 per cent at times but the good weather has recently eased demand and admissions have reduced."

He said the league would continue to try to establish what progress was being made by the various organisations controlling the commissioning and delivery of healthcare services in Shropshire.

The League of Friends is looking for more volunteers to replace those who have retired.