22 May 2024
In December 2023, an Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) re-affirmed that the Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP) is the best way forward to improve acute hospital services for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and mid-Wales. This includes the plans for the 24/7 enhanced urgent care service at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH).
The IRP report published in December 2023 highlighted the need for a public information campaign and appropriate signage to be in place to ensure that people know where to go when the HTP is implemented.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has received confirmation from NHS England that it supports the recommendation of the IRP and that the name of the 24/7 enhanced urgent care service to be provided at PRH will be an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).
The HTP Full Business Case is at the final stage of the national approval process. Under these plans, approximately two-thirds of patients who currently attend the Emergency Department at PRH fall into this category and will continue to access the care they need at the UTC at PRH.
Most people who currently attend the Trust’s Emergency Departments at PRH, and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, need urgent care for non-life-or-limb-threatening conditions and do not need comprehensive emergency care with the backup of specialist teams or hospital admission
The Trust is committed to continuing to engage with and work closely with its communities, patients and colleagues as it works towards improving care and a more positive experience for everyone.
As the plans progress, and subject to final approval, this activity will increase and the Trust will inform communities on the services available at both hospitals, so that people know where to go to receive the right care at the right time and in the right place.