Hospitals Transformation Programme takes next step forward towards securing investment to improve hospital services

News from our partner, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

Plans to deliver two thriving hospitals and improve care for our communities in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and mid Wales have taken a step forward.

The Outline Business Case (OBC) for the transformation of hospital services across The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has been formally approved in the latest and penultimate stage of national approval.

Transforming acute hospital services will improve care for everyone, with the Princess Royal Hospital site specialising in planned care and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site specialising in emergency care.

Following approval of the OBC for the Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP) by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and HM Treasury, SaTH is now preparing its Full Business Case (FBC) which is the last stage in the process. Funding has also been released to start enabling works for the transformation and to support the completion of the FBC. The Trust will also continue its ongoing investment programme at both hospitals and the further development of community-based services to reduce waiting times and improve patient experience.

The Trust welcomes the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) report and the overall conclusion that “subject to the recommendations in the report the Hospitals Transformation Programme (as described in the NHS Trust’s OBC) is the best way forward to improve acute hospital services for the whole population served in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and mid Wales”.

Louise Barnett, Chief Executive of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “This is positive news for our local communities and colleagues, bringing us another step closer to delivering sustainable, high quality health care for everyone through two thriving hospitals.

“We are focusing now on progressing the enabling works and preparing the Full Business Case for approval which is the final step in the process. We value the feedback from our communities and teams as we take this critical programme forward and I would encourage members of the public to participate in our series of focus groups and engagement events.”

Dr Ed Rysdale, Clinical Lead for the Hospitals Transformation Programme, said: “This new model of care is designed, led and supported by clinicians, and will see patients benefit from fewer cancellations and delays for planned procedures. Emergency care will be more effective and streamlined, with fewer ambulance handover delays, and will be delivered from a dedicated, state-of-the-art Emergency Department.

“We will continue to engage and work closely with our local communities, patients and colleagues every step of this journey to improve the experience for all our communities.”

Dr Nicholas White, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “We welcome the news that the Outline Business Case for the transformation of hospital services in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has been approved. This is a major milestone in our plans to transform acute hospital services and improve health and care for our communities across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and mid Wales.

“Through our Local Care Transformation Programme, we are striving to improve our community-based services so residents can have better access to a broader range of services in their local communities and at home. Together, these two major transformation programmes will ensure our communities can access high quality care, in the right place, at the right time, to help them live healthier, happier and more rewarding lives.”