We must get on with Future Fit, says SaTH chief executive
The man in charge of the county’s major hospitals has called for a quick decision from the health secretary over any plans for a review of Future Fit.
Simon Wright, chief executive of Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), said any concerns must be addressed “quickly”.
Mr Wright, who was speaking after the Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed he could order an independent review of the plans – if requested by Telford & Wrekin Council – said he wants to see work begin on the £312 million reorganisation by December.
It is not known what impact an independent review could have on the timescale, although during a visit to Princess Royal Hospital last Mr Hancock, said: “I can turn it round quickly enough to not delay the process if the request is sent to me.”
Future Fit, which sets out a plan for the reorganisation of SaTH’s hospitals, Princess Royal Hospital Telford (PRH) and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH), was agreed last month.
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It will see RSH become the county’s only emergency centre, and also take over women and children’s services, which are currently based at PRH. PRH would in turn become the centre for planned care.
Mr Wright, said: “I really hope at this late stage, with every opportunity the local council has had – they are, let’s not forget, a member of the Future Fit board and have been involved in the process for five years – it is important now we get to the point where we can do a final assessment of any concerns they have, do it quickly and move forward.
"We now need to move on. No longer debate what we are doing, rather deliver it so the benefits can be there for the population and I hope the secretary of state will support us in that.”
Mr Wright added that the Future Fit agreement had already allowed the hospital trust to recruit much-needed consultants.
The chief executive said: "The moment the decision was taken we have been able to appoint four A&E consultants.
"It is because they can see the service needs to be sustainable."
Mr Wright also insisted he is committed to seeing the project through.
He said: "Obviously we do not know what the outcome of the process will be but for three years we have fought hammer and tongs to get the money and we will fight every day to make sure people have the services they need and deserve."
He added: "Too many chief executives have come here as a stepping stone and the moment it has got difficult they have left.
"I intend to stick it out, work every day to make sure we are improving the position and get to a point where the care is outstanding."
