Cutting services will cost lives

Plans to cut essential acute services from the Princess Royal Hospital will cost lives. Over the last seven years I have warned of the consequences of downgrading hospital services – consequences which will lead to the loss of lives – both young and old. Time and time again local residents were told that my concerns over the future of hospital services were unfounded; but the truth is now out. I think many local people will feel very let down that some so-called health professionals could have been so evasive about their real intentions. Unless, senior bosses start to speak and act in transparent ways then it will come as no surprise if local residents give a big ‘vote of no confidence’ in the Board of the Acute Trust and their ability to look after the health interests of the whole County. Health bosses need to reaffirm their commitment to one hospital on two sites – not reconfigure services for just one hospital on one site. Anything less, is simply just not good enough.

Telford’s population is both growing and younger than Shrewsbury’s population; therefore it would be utter madness to cut children’s services. The same goes for accident and emergency services which would affect all ages. In an emergency time costs lives – and Shrewsbury is too far to travel for emergency treatment. This is true for all areas of Telford, but is particularly true of places like: Newport, and East Shropshire areas, like Shifnal, and Albrighton.

Health bosses tell us that no decisions have yet been made. But it is clear that there is definitely a health strategy bias towards the east of the county – so how fair will any consultation be? That it is why it is vital that all local residents sign my Parliamentary Petition at www.savetheprh.com or call into my constituency office at 25 Church Street, Wellington. Alternatively you could download my petition off the website and place it in local shops and post offices. Let your voice be heard. I believe that if the whole community speaks with one voice then these life-threatening cuts can and will be stopped. Join me today in fighting to keep these vital services and sign my petition.

Over the last two weeks scores of worried staff at the Princess Royal Hospital have contacted me to offer their support for my campaign. I am grateful for their comments and encouragement. Hospital staff do a great job in often trying circumstances. I am glad to have them on board.

I also hope you will join me on the March – which will be an opportunity for all in the community to state publicly their objection against the cuts. (Details will be announced soon). What is clear; is that the Acute Trust’s plans, as they currently stand, cannot be allowed to go ahead. The Princess Royal Hospital’s life-saving services must be saved – only then will local residents, patients, and staff, get the hospital they all deserve.