Housing trust responds to Telford hospital DIY SOS appeal
Telford's biggest housing association has offered to help a project to encourage more medical staff to the Princess Royal Hospital’s A&E department.
The Wrekin Housing Trust came forward after an appeal to businesses from Telford & Wrekin council leader Shaun Davies for help in refurbishing three houses to accommodate junior and middle grade doctors.
The houses are in the grounds of the Princess Royal Hospital, where the A&E faces overnight closure from December 5 due to a lack of staff.
The NHS trust that runs the hospital says such an overnight closure can be avoided if it gets the A&E staff it needs.
It will be offering the on-site accommodation for free to new recruits.
Wayne Gethings, Wrekin Housing Trust's managing director, said the trust would refurbish three kitchens.
“We’re very happy to be supporting this initiative at the hospital," he said.
"We already supply high quality housing for more than 10,000 households across Telford & Wrekin so extending this by supporting the refurbishment of these properties for doctors makes perfect sense for the trust, and most of all for our tenants.”
Councillor Davies said: “This is a very generous offer from The Wrekin Housing Trust.
“It is one of nearly 20 offers received from individuals and organisations. They include donations of money and furniture, painting and decorating and electrical and plastering work. The response has been fantastic.
"Thank you to everyone who has offered their support so far. It shows our collective strength of feeling for our hospital and our desire to do all we can to protect a health service we all hold so dear.
“Telford & Wrekin Council is now working with medical staff and The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust on the finer detail of the work that needs to be done.
“Doctors have told us this refurbished accommodation will be a game changer – it will greatly help attract the staff the hospital so greatly needs."
