A Newtown health campaigner is urging people to take part in a survey that could determine the future of women and children’s services in Telford.
Cllr Joy Jones said the survey had only taken into consideration users in Montgomeryshire at the last minute and the deadline for people to take part is 30 June.
The survey forms part of the ongoing Future Fit work to determine the future of health services in Shropshire that also affects patients in Montgomeryshire.
“It is really important we get people in Mid Wales to fill in the survey if they have used the service since it moved to Telford a couple of years ago. This will be part of the work for Future Fit,” said Cllr Jones.
“They have only given us a very short time to make our views known from Mid Wales as it closes by 30 June, but it has been running in Shropshire for a while.
“Sadly we haven't been asked until now. It is extremely important that anyone who has used any of the services such as maternity, neonatal and paediatrics fill in the survey as it will help with the future fit work.”
Cllr Jones added: “One option from Future Fit is that Shrewsbury Hospital should be the main Emergency Centre for the area. This would mean Shrewsbury Hospital would have consultant maternity, neonatal and paediatrics, which means it moving from Telford to Shrewsbury.”
People can undertake the short online survey from NHS Future Fit by 30 June 2017 at http://www.elesurvey.co.uk/f/614394/118c
Drop-in sessions are also taking place at Newtown Library on 26 June between 1pm and 4pm and Welshpool Library between 9.30am and 12noon.
“It is really important we stay focused on what is going on over the border as its our main healthcare provider along with Powys teaching Health Board,” said Cllr Jones.
“If we lose the chance of getting the emergency care (A&E) in Shrewsbury it will be detrimental to the health of many Mid Wales residents. People will have to travel to Telford which adds vital minutes onto an urgent journey.”
“In an emergency every minute counts and the sooner a patient is treated the better the outcome can be.
“Future Fit has been on hold over the election period but hopefully now it will pick up speed and they will come to a decision as the staff and patients need to know what the future holds for the areas healthcare.
“All this uncertainty is putting staff under tremendous stress and worry and in my opinion it also makes the hospitals undesirable for people looking for employment and long term careers. So we need clarity and results for all who are affected. So it time to stop going round and round in circles.”
Photo: Cllr Joy Jones
