Permission granted for major Shrewsbury hospital rebuild

Planning permission for a major reconstruction programme at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital has been given the go-ahead by Shropshire Council.

The scheme is a major component of £312m proposals to reorganise emergency hospital care in Shropshire which will see emergency care services for the county relocated to Shrewsbury – while Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital will become a planned care centre with a downgraded urgent care department.

Earlier this month, an outline business case for the hospital shake-up plan was approved, releasing funding for enabling works for the development.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust are now preparing a full business case – the final stage in the process.

Under the redevelopment scheme, the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will build a 30,000 square metre extension which will house the new A&E department as well as a new maternity unit and intensive care services.

The proposal sought approval for a 3,200 square metre emergency department with an extension to the existing accident and emergency building, including an expanded ambulance provision with full cover for 10 ambulances.

Also included is a new “Birthing Suite” and children’s unit in a new build facility, along with neo-natal services and a new children’s centre with external play areas.

Shrewsbury Town Council had expressed concerns due to the travel plan submitted with the proposal, which they said was “not good enough”.

The trust said its plans included £1.3m allocated for infrastructure works which included £0.88m for signage and footpaths.

The plan was approved by council planning officers via delegated decision, subject to a £200,000 contribution to road infrastructure and a further £240,000 towards landscape planting.

Conditions of the approval also require Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust to submit an active travel plan detailing which facilities are to be provided for pedestrians and cyclists.

Dr Ed Rysdale, Consultant in Emergency Care and Clinical Lead for the Hospitals Transformation Programme at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said the decision was a “significant next step forward” in reorganising services in the county.

“Our hospitals transformation programme 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. It is fantastic to see these vital plans taking shape,” he said.

“We are making real progress with our enabling works starting and as we prepare to submit our Full Business Case 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.”