THE findings of a controversial health shake-up consultation have been published.

Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin's clinical commissioning groups (CCG) have published a report on feedback to the Future Fit consultation.

The consultation on splitting emergency and planned care between Shrewsbury and Telford has received nearly 19,000 responses, with a decision due early next year.

David Evans, chief officer of Telford & Wrekin CCG, said: “This report goes far beyond just the survey feedback, with analysis of the many public consultation events, meetings and discussions with seldom heard groups.

“We have now held two meetings where we have discussed, reflected and fully considered the key themes, detailed responses and any suggestions from individuals and organisations.

"This will prove invaluable in helping us to make a decision about the future of hospital services in the New Year.”

The NHS Future Fit consultation received more than 18,500 responses – meaning more than three per cent of the population served by the county’s two hospitals had their say.

Future Fit proposes that emergency care is based at one hospital and planned care at the other.

Health chiefs' preferred option is for emergency care at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and planned care at the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford.

Under either option, both hospitals would have an urgent care centre open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Patients would receive care for illnesses and injuries that are not life or limb-threatening but require urgent attention.

Dr Simon Freeman, accountable officer for Shropshire CCG, said:

“It was important that a wide range of people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales gave us their views and were able to share their concerns which are highlighted in this independent report.

“This report is just one of a number of pieces of work that we need to take our time to consider before progressing to making any decisions and shape the future of health care for local people. It is vital that we also consider the outcomes of a number of other pieces of work, which are also published today.

"This includes public, community and non-emergency travel and transport activity, ambulance modelling, the impact that any changes to hospital services may have on seldom heard groups and the proposed plans to improve community services for health and care closer to home.”

Further meetings continue to take place over the coming weeks for stakeholders to reflect and comment on the feedback.

This includes the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils, Powys Community Health Council (CHC), Powys Teaching Health Board, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) board and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust board.

These meetings all form part of the process towards the Joint Committee of the two CCGs meeting early in 2019 to make a decision on the future of local hospital services.

The findings can be read at www.nhsfuturefit.org/key-documents