Glyn Davies, Montgomeryshire’s Conservative MP has welcomed a decision by the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospitals Trust to hold a series of meetings around Montgomeryshire over the next few weeks to outline and explain latest plans for the health services on which Montgomeryshire people depend.
Glyn Davies met with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Trust last Friday, and discussed reconfiguration of Shropshire health services. He emphasised the importance of maintaining dialogue with Montgomeryshire groups and Councils. Throughout the process, over several years, Glyn Davies has argued for services to be retained in Shrewsbury and not transferred to Telford. Commenting on the Trust’s intention to hold several meetings in Montgomeryshire.
Glyn Davies said:
“Reconfiguration of health services in Shropshire is very important to the people of Montgomeryshire. We want to retain as many services as possible in Shrewsbury, rather than be transferred to Telford. Inevitably, I am disappointed that paediatric services, which are currently available at both hospitals are to be concentrated at a brand new £28million specialist unit at Telford.”
“While I strongly disagree with the transfer of any services from Shrewsbury to Telford, I do welcome the continuation of a full trauma A&E service at Shrewsbury. I also welcome new working arrangements between the ambulance services of Shropshire and those of Wales, which should improve ambulance waiting times.”
“I explained to the Trust leaders that full and proper discussion with affected groups in Montgomeryshire is crucial if confidence is to be retained in the Shropshire health service provision – and I am very pleased that this is now going to happen. There will be meetings with Powys County Council, the Town Councils of Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes, the Community Health Council and several other local interested groups. I also hope that any concerns will be shared with me, so that I can raise them with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Trust”.