NHS Future Fit aim is to put programme on stronger footing

May 2015

NHS Future Fit aim is to put programme on stronger footing

The NHS Future Fit programme is preparing to explore the best way to take advantages of expected announcements on NHS priorities.

New priorities and possible funding plans are expected to be outlined in the coming weeks by the new government. The programme to transform emergency, planned and urgent care for patients from Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales will explore the best way to respond to these.

Dr Caron Morton of Shropshire CCG and Mr David Evans of Telford & Wrekin CCG said: “We have to make sure we make the best decisions before we choose a preferred option that we will consult the public about as this will be a crucial stage for NHS Future Fit.

“This is a unique opportunity to deliver healthcare for local communities from which we will all benefit for decades to come. It needs to deliver the best for patients and provide a workplace where staff at all levels will aspire to work.

“Local clinicians who deliver services day-in-day-out have made it clear this includes a single emergency centre to safeguard life-saving services, and that this needs to be in place as soon as possible.”

Work is currently continuing on technical studies and staff engagement. There will also be a number of engagement workshops on urgent care conducted over the next month, with an emphasis on rural areas of Shropshire, which will also be accessible for patients in Mid Wales.

Selecting a preferred option from the shortlist of scenarios identified in February will take place as soon as possible once any new announcements are factored into the programme.

Dr Morton and Mr Evans said: “The fundamental focus of NHS Future Fit has not changed, and that is to provide a modern, flexible and efficient NHS that will serve the needs of our populations for decades to come, with excellent and cost-effective emergency, urgent and community based care.”

Further information, including an adjusted timetable, will be provided as soon as it is available.