Shropshire Star

Shropshire hospitals crisis: Overnight closure of A&E in Telford or Shrewsbury among options

The temporary overnight closure of the A&E department in Telford or Shrewsbury are both being considered as options as health bosses have warned the situation is heading to breaking point.

Published
Last updated
Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Dr Edwin Borman, medical director at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), says it has only been down to the considerable efforts of A&E staff that both units at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford's Princess Royal Hospital have been able to remain fully open.

Dr Borman told a recent meeting of the trust board that the numbers of consultants and middle grade doctors, who also act as senior decision makers, were much lower than needed, despite recruitment campaigns.

He said there were also gaps in the junior doctor workforce and further challenges with nursing staff.

Dr Borman said: "Our staff are working their socks off to make sure we are able to provide the safest care for our patients.

"The challenge is they can't keep that up for much longer."

What are the options?

Dr Borman said three options are being considered about how to manage the situation, but stressed no decisions have yet been taken.

The first option involves finding a way to maintain both A&E departments at RSH and PRH.

The other two options would involve the overnight closure of either A&E in Shrewsbury or Telford between 8pm and 8am.

It would force some patients to have to travel to an A&E outside of Shropshire, with ambulances being diverted.

SaTH has asked neighbouring trusts for help, with bosses saying that an overnight closure may not have to happen if the right medical team can be provided.

The trust board was told that the options will be considered carefully and a report, containing any recommendations, will be brought back to members later this month.

Difficult decision

Chairman Ben Reid has admitted that members of the board could be faced with a difficult decision.

But he added: "It's also crucial we continue to emphasise this is still a work in progress."

Chief executive of the trust, Simon Wright, said the workforce situation in the emergency departments is very "fragile".

He said the reason some nurses have left is because there are not enough doctors.

A presentation given to the trust board said nurses "feel vulnerable in leading the department , particularly at night on the PRH site".

It comes as concerns surrounding A&E departments and "boarding" on wards were raised by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission who visited SaTH last week.

It is expected to take about six months before health bosses see the full assessment report.