Shropdoc concerns to go before council - here's when

Earlier this week it was confirmed that Shropshire's NHS bosses have chosen a new provider for the services to replace Shropdoc.

The process is not yet complete, with NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, going through the final stages of the process before the move is fully approved.

If it goes ahead as planned the service will be taken over by a firm called Medvivo.

Health bosses have said they cannot comment on the decision because the contract process is still ongoing.

Shropdoc said it was also unable to comment on the developments, but would issue a statement in 'due course'.

The move has been met with concern from a number of county residents, and now Oswestry Town Council will be asked to consider a motion to express 'grave concern' over the changes.

Councillor Olly Rose has submitted the motion ahead of the council's meeting on February 12.

She said: "Shropdoc is widely appreciated and run by local GP surgeries, not for profit and with the extensive local knowledge of areas, distances between places and services available.

"It seems that being replaced by a call service run from another area of the country may potentially cut costs initially but seems likely it will result in more referrals to A&E, more ambulance calls and a poorer quality service all round due to the lack of integration into the local community networks.

"Shropshire Defend Our NHS are launching a campaign to challenge the decision made by NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin."

A Shropshire Defend Our NHS meeting took place in Ludlow on Thursday evening to discuss potential responses to the decision.