Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies has backed as yet unconfirmed changes to health services in Shropshire that will impact on Newtown residents.
Mr Davies said media reports, such as those reported by MyNewtown yesterday, leaked after a private meeting of key decision makers in Shropshire suggest that a non-financial appraisal of options for change indicate a strong case for locating a new ‘Emergency Centre’ at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital rather than the Princess Royal in Telford.
It also suggests that the Women and Children’s Centre, currently located at the Princess Royal, should be transferred to the Royal Shrewsbury
Commenting on the leaked reports, Glyn Davies said: “At long last we may be seeing evidence-driven proposals for reform of the NHS which serves Shropshire and Mid Wales.
“For many years it has seemed clear to me that 'Emergency' care serving Shropshire and Mid Wales should be located near the centre of the region, at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
“I look forward to seeing official confirmation that the non-financial, evidence-based assessment clearly points to the Shrewsbury site rather than the Telford site. It's what I've always expected."
He added: “The next stage in the decision making process will be the financial appraisals of the options. This should happen next month, and I confidently expect this to also point to the Shrewsbury site as the best location for the 'Emergency Centre.’
“It seems a no-brainer that the recommendations that will go out from the Future Fit Programme Board for a 12 week public consultation later this year can recommend anything but Shrewsbury site."
"I accept that deciding where to locate the 'Emergency Centre' is contentious, and will be a tough decision for the CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) and Future Fit Programme Board to make.
“But that's what they are being paid for - to take tough necessary decisions. There has already been too much prevarication and delay. It's time to decide."
