Pressures on the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Health and Care system

Simon Whitehouse, Interim Chief Executive Designate of the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board, said: "The level of demand we have seen on our health and care services over the last few months has been unprecedented and these last few days have been particularly challenging.

“Our local hospitals are currently operating at full capacity. This is causing lengthy waits in A&E and delays in ambulances being able to hand over their patients. 

“We would like to apologise to local people for the impact that this is having on their care and on their experiences of local health services. 

“All partners across our system are working incredibly hard to alleviate the pressure, and I am grateful to all of our colleagues in health, social care, domiciliary care, our care homes and the voluntary sector for their continued efforts.

“I want to thank the public for their support in taking simple steps like using NHS 111 or their local pharmacy as a first port of call for routine health complaints and in continuing to get the Covid-19 vaccine and booster. This really does make a huge difference.

“I want to reiterate my personal thanks to our fantastic health and care staff across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Their commitment to helping our communities and in caring for local people is second to none. I am extremely grateful for their continued dedication.”