The Welsh Liberal Democrats have expressed concern over the possible temporary overnight closure of A&E services at Princess Royal Hospital Telford. The decision will be made by the trust’s Board tomorrow (27 September).

The temporary closure of services would be due to a consistent shortage of specialist staff across Shrewsbury and Telford’s A&E services.

Powys County Council Liberal Democrat and Green Group Leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt said:

The unprecedented temporary closure of overnight A&E services in Telford would be devastating for all the patients across Powys who rely on these services. Patient safety must be everyone’s priority but we urge the board to fully consider the people of Powys when they make their decision tomorrow.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds added:

We must give credit to the talented, committed and compassionate staff who’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep patients safe and services running.

However, serious questions must be asked about how the situation got so bad. The fault lies with the Conservatives for not giving the NHS in England the funding needed to ensure safe levels of staff.

I urge NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to urgently take all the steps necessary to provide sustainable, safe and properly-staffed A&E services at Telford and Shrewsbury. The people of Powys shouldn’t pay for the UK Government’s failings. We demand better for Powys.