We know the NHS is struggling to cope with the long term consequences of the pandemic, exceptional winter pressures and burnt out staff.
It is easy to blame the Government of the day, but the reality is that these problems exist across the UK, whoever is in power. We also know that NHS care in Shropshire is worse than almost anywhere else in the Country. We have the fourth worst performing Trust for A&E targets, both our hospitals are rated ‘Inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission, the Trust is in Special Measures and frequently declares critical incidents. It is misguided to blame Government for this poor local performance.
My 90 year mother had a fall and broke her hip on the day of the first ambulance strike. Despite it being Christmas, her care and treatment in a hospital rated ‘Outstanding’ was exemplary. From listening to the experiences of so many of my constituents, I believe that if my mother had had her accident in Shropshire, it would have been a different story.
Instead of local politicians blaming Government, they should be asking why is our Hospital Trust performing so badly in comparison to others? What is being done to improve? To find solutions we must understand the causes.
By saying ‘it’s the Tories,’ local politicians give themselves a free pass – they do not have to confront problems or find solutions. Access to healthcare is the biggest single challenge my constituents face. It is unforgivable that the Telford Council Leader wants to prevent a new Hospital Improvement Plan that local clinicians say will improve access to care for people in Telford.
Shropshire MPs are meeting Health Management this week. Management too need to be open and honest about the problems we face; they need to recognise that other Trusts do better and they cannot go on blaming Covid for poor performance locally.
I want my constituents to have the same incredible care that my mother received. Access to good quality health care changes lives. All local politicians should be working with local Health Management to get better healthcare for Shropshire.
