Health bosses move to reassure public over changes in out of hours GP services - as 10,000 back petition over the issue

NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, said it wanted to "address misconceptions" over the process to award a contract for the service.

The organisation has selected Medvivo as its preferred provider, with the county's long-standing not-for-profit Shropdoc set to lose out.

NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin has faced criticism over the move, but the organisation has now published a series of points responding to issues raised by critics as it looks to reassure the public over the change.

It has dismissed suggestions the move is about cutting costs, and flatly rejected comments that the new provider will not provide face to face appointments.

It described the service as "crucial" for the population of Shropshire, and added it will remain available to everyone - free of charge.

It comes as more than 10,000 people have now added their names to a petition urging the government to look at the decision.

Describing critics' comments that the decision is based on cost cutting as "inaccurate", NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin added: "All elements of the contract have remained unchanged and there is no difference to what is presently delivered by ShropDoc, as the current provider.

"All bidders were scored on their ability to meet the specification requirements which reflect the service currently provided.

"Our duty is to ensure public funds are spent wisely; however, this is not a cost saving exercise. While cost accounted for 40 per cent of the total evaluation, 60 per cent focused on quality and innovation. 

"We are committed to ensuring local provision continues to be delivered by local  clinicians and that all current bases are utilised by the provider to enable this continuation."

The organisation also rejected suggestions that palliative end of life care will not be available, saying: "This is not true. This is a key element, and it is vital that it continues to be  available."

Critics have hit out over the lack of consultation on the plans, but it added that this was not a requirement of the process - although pointed to a three week 'engagement' process it held with the public.

The organisation also said it had tried to keep county residents up to date on the process, saying: "We have aimed to keep residents well informed via a number of communication  and engagement methods."

Meanwhile Dylan Harrison, from Shropshire Defend our NHS said the campaign group would continue to oppose the move.

Mr Harrison launched the petition against the change, and said: "I only launched the petition a week ago and the response has been unbelievable.

"Feelings are strong and its clear that people in Shropshire will not allow this to happen."

Mr Harrison described the attempts to discuss the issues with the public as inadequate, adding: "Regardless of what they might have said this is a major change for Shropshire health services."