Telford A&E contingency plan under review
Health bosses say they are continuing to look at contingency plans in case Telford's A&E has to close on safety grounds.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, is examining what short-term measures could be taken ahead of a decision on Future Fit, which will define the future of healthcare for generations to come.
The talks have been ongoing since 2015.
The trust has recently been successful in the recruitment of additional consultants in A&E, but SaTH says there are still staffing challenges.
SaTH previously agreed a plan to temporarily close A&E at PRH overnight if services become unsustainable.
Bosses say business plans have since been under constant review to ensure that, should it happen, there is as little impact as possible on patients.
They have stressed that no decision has yet been made to suspend services.
Nigel Lee, chief operating officer at SaTH, said: “As a result of ongoing conversations, our business continuity plans for our emergency departments are being refreshed to ensure they are as robust as possible.
“The fragility of our A&E departments at PRH and RSH is well known, having been discussed by our own board and in meetings with our partners, as well as being the subject of a great deal of coverage in the media.
“There has been no decision taken to suspend services at PRH overnight, but it is still crucial that we continue to work behind the scenes should that scenario become necessary.
“I must once again emphasise that the suspension of services is not something we want and we are working hard to avoid this.
"However, it would be both irresponsible and dangerous for us not to have robust plans in place to ensure the continued safe and dignified treatment of our patients.”
