Future Fit: Call to ‘accept’ decision on A&E

Councillor Peter Nutting was speaking after confirmation that the Future Fit plans will proceed – with Royal Shrewsbury Hospital becoming the county's only full A&E department.

Councillor Nutting said he hoped work on getting the changes under way would begin in earnest.

"I hope we can now get on and implement these long awaited and necessary changes and thereby give welcome certainty for those working in a stretched NHS, they deserve our support," he said.

See also:

• Future Fit: What happens next?

• Shrewsbury's reaction to Future Fit: Relief, but sympathy too

• Telford's reaction to Future Fit: Anger, confusion and concern at impact of changes

• Future Fit: ‘At last, a solution led by staff on front line’ - Mark Pritchard

• Future Fit 'a disaster' for Shropshire patients - Gill George of Defend Our NHS

"Delay has already made recruitment and retention of key staff difficult and holding on to existing and recently recruited clinicians could be a challenge if we procrastinate further.

"I will be pushing hard for the £312 million investment that Future Fit will bring to be made available by the Government.

More:

• Shropshire Star comment: Let’s tie up loose ends of Future Fit saga

• Future Fit: Judicial review could be considered, says Telford council leader

• 'An absolute catastrophe': Furious reaction to news that Telford A&E will be downgraded under Future Fit

• Future Fit allowed to go ahead with emergency centre in Shrewsbury

"I hope that all concerned will now put any differences behind us and accept the findings of the independent panel. I would encourage us all to work towards delivering Future Fit and the improvements in health services that our communities need."

Meanwhile, the leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has met the chief executive of the county's major hospitals to discuss his concern over this week's Future Fit announcement.

Councillor Shaun Davies said his discussions with Paula Clark, interim chief executive of Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust, centred on what an A&E Local would mean for Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.

Discussing his meeting Councillor Davies said: "It was very much an opportunity for the council, through me, to set out to them our continued concerns around Future Fit and the uncertainty everyone has over knowing what an A&E Local means.

"It is very important the service is 24 hours, consultant-led, and that we retain as much of our women and children's services as possible."

He added that it was also important that the council is kept up to date with any decision making as part of the process.

Councillor Davies has also called an emergency meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council to discuss the matter.

It is expected that the request will be accepted next week and that a date will then be announced.