Plans to improve hospital care for people living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Mid Wales have taken a significant step forward, with full planning permission granted for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital development.
As part of the Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP) the Princess Royal Hospital site in Telford will specialise in planned care and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site will specialise in emergency care.
The new build at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is set to provide an integrated emergency department and emergency care facilities, including an Urgent Care Treatment Centre, acute medical floor, and a Critical Care Unit.
The plans will also include a consultant led maternity unit, children’s services including outpatients and surgery, gynaecological services, consultant neonatal services.
SaTH said the development will also "dramatically improve" the look and feel of the site through a new entrance, improved hospitality offers, and enhanced patient drop off facilities.
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The planning permission follows formal approval of the Outline Business Case (OBC), and official contractor announcement which will enable the transformation of hospital services across the communities it serves.
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) said the plans have been led by clinicians and operational staff who have been involved in the development process.
Dr Ed Rysdale, consultant in Emergency Care and Clinical Lead for the Hospitals Transformation Programme, said: “We are delighted to have received planning approval which is another significant next step forward in our Hospital Transformation Programme.
“Our HTP plans will enable us to deliver modern, high-quality care and importantly improve health outcomes for all our communities, which is why I joined the NHS.
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“It is fantastic to see these vital plans taking shape.
“We are making real progress with our enabling works starting and as we prepare to submit our Full Business Case (FBC) the approval of which is the final stage in the national approval process.
“We are committed to continuing to work closely with our local communities, patients, and colleagues every step of this journey.”
The multi-million pound investment also includes the purpose-built Community Diagnostic Centre in Telford, and a dedicated Planned Care Hub expected to open in Spring 2024 at the Princess Royal Hospital.
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