Future Fit: Cash crisis means scheme could be carried out in phases or scaled back
The trust running Shropshire's two main hospitals is considering whether to carry out Future Fit in phases or scale back the original plans, a leaked document has revealed.
Originally costed at £312 million, the report says the figure has now risen to £498 million – sparking criticism from campaigners.
The scheme will see Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) become home to the county's main emergency centre, with planned care based at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.
The leaked strategic outline case for Future Fit says the trust which runs the hospitals has put forward two options due to the rising cost.
One option is for a "restricted development".
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The document states "this option limits the scope of the project to a level capable of being delivered within the envelope of capital resource previously allocated".
The other option, according to the report, is for a "phased development", which assumes the total amount needed for the scheme can be secured.
It says the first phase would involve "core enabling works" at RSH.
The document states: "At the end of phase two the organisation would have constructed two new wards and the emergency care centre and critical care centre.
"At this point the trust is then able to deliver the care model, however, at this point emergency care and critical care continues to function as duplicate services at both RSH and PRH."
Phase three would relate to ward development at RSH, before refurbishment work and the introduction of new entrances at both hospitals in the next phase.
The report suggests a new women and children's unit would then be constructed at RSH and the last phase involves further refurbishment, including work around the 'A&E Local' planned for PRH.
According to the document, the reason for the cost rise is due to inflation, increased awareness and knowledge, and on-balance sheet adjustments.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, which runs PRH and RSH, has declined to comment on the details revealed in the leaked document.
Health commissioners previously said they expected the capital costs to remain at £312 million, adding that whatever is provided has to be in line with the model consulted on.
A public consultation was carried out last year but the decision then made was challenged by Telford & Wrekin Council, which asked Health Secretary Matt Hancock for a review.
In October, Mr Hancock allowed the plans to go ahead, but asked for proposals to be developed for an 'A&E Local' at PRH, which is expected to be a downgrade from full A&E services.
The rising cost has led to campaigners calling for the scheme to be axed or for other options to be considered.
