NHS demonstration 30 June 2018, photo Paul Mattsson, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)
John Mann, GMB union (personal capacity)
Shropshire’s reorganisation or ‘Future Fit’ plans are to close an A&E department at one hospital and have an urgent care centre at the other.
Shropshire has two main hospitals – Princess Royal Telford and Royal Shrewsbury. Over a number of years they have come under threat.
Shropshire is a vast county consisting not only of towns but many rural villages and the NHS serves parts of Wales.
Not having access to two A&E departments will inevitably cost lives. 20 A&E consultants are required but there is only funding for nine.
‘Future Fit’ means 842 staff lost – 20% fewer nurses and midwifes – and a 10% cut to beds, which will lead to more bed blocking and trolley waits for patients.
Conservative MPs have been proud to emphasise the £312 million from central government, but this is a loan. £200 million is repayable and the rest is a type of private finance initiative deal – repayment of this is at least £11 million a year.
Six local constituency Labour Parties have agreed to a joint statement requesting full funding for both hospitals to retain all services. In a recent visit to Shropshire Jeremy Corbyn echoed this need.
But Telford Labour’s elected councillors produced a leaflet opting against the joint statement. They supported keeping Princess Royal Telford A&E open but downgrading Royal Shrewsbury – this they said would save £62 million.
A postcode lottery within the NHS should not be supported by Labour councillors who will be asking working class people to re-elect them next May.
Shropshire Defend Our NHS is a grassroots campaign, and has been fighting to reject cuts to both hospitals planned in the Future Fit policy.
