Public Letter from Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Consultants

Over recent weeks there has been a determined campaign by some Telford based politicians to undermine the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust. Driving this campaign has been an attempt to stop a proposed and desperately needed reform of the hospital services based at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital at Telford, because it was not the reform they wanted. In my view, this campaign has been a disgrace, which has caused real damage (through delay) to the interests and welfare of patients. I also think the way in which the BBC has allowed itself to perform the role of ‘useful idiot’ in this campaign is a disgrace as well.
Today 37 consultants working at the two major hospitals have released the public statement below. I’ve not know anything like this to happen before. It’s clear the clinicians have had more than enough of political shenanigans. They have waited for NHS reform for many years and are asking that patient interests be given priority. I couldn’t agree more.

TO THE PEOPLE OF SHROPSHIRE, TELFORD, WREKIN AND MID WALES.

We would like to thank the local people of Telford, Wrekin, Shropshire and Mid Wales for the overwhelming support that they have given recently to our staff. Both our staff and the local public have been distressed and concerned by recent national headlines. We would like to reassure our patients that their safe care is our priority. We welcome the independent review of our maternity department which will help us to learn from past events. Our Accident and Emergency Depts are under enormous pressure, with doctors, nurses and all the staff doing their best despite overwhelming demand.
We now have a clear vision for the future of our hospitals. This year we have appointed many new consultants to the Trust who want to make their home here and help us realise this vision.
We will continue to work with and support our managers and members of the Board to bring this to fruition. Safe and effective care in Telford, Wrekin, Shropshire and Mid Wales requires stable leadership. Any major change in the leadership team would be a misguided and unnecessary distraction at this key time.
Thank you for continuing to support your local hospitals.