Telford A&E confirmed to be closing at Princess Royal Hospital
'A&E Local' will now be called 'Urgent Treatment Centre.'
Last updated 22nd May 2024
After months of speculation, it's been confirmed that planned facilities at Princess Royal Hospital will be named an 'urgent treatment centre' and not an 'A&E' department.
The proposals will see the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital become the county's only 24-hour full A&E, also known as an 'emergency centre'.
Telford & Wrekin Council has been informed that NHS England has responded to the recommendation of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel regarding the ‘Future Fit’ Hospital Transformation Programme’s (HTP) planned downgrade of Telford’s A&E service, confirming that it will be replaced by ‘Urgent Treatment Centre’ (UTC).
Telford & Wrekin Council has been lobbying the government and NHS England to reconsider the plans since they were first announced, including delivering a petition of more than 20,000 signatures to Downing Street last year.
Health bosses have said the proposals are the best way to improve care for residents in the county.
Cllr Shaun Davies, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “Whilst I welcome the confirmation that all parties will stop using the disingenuous term ‘A&E Local’, let’s make this very clear: today’s announcement from the NHS confirms our fears.
“Telford won’t have an A&E. We will be the largest town in England without a A&E. We won’t have consultant led women and children services.”