The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to receive updates on the Hospital Transformation Programme (HTP) and community health services. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the previous meeting's minutes and an update from the Co-Chairs.

Hospital Transformation Programme

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Hospital Transformation Programme (HTP) from Jo Williams, Group Chief Executive of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (SCHT), and Andrew Morgan, Chair in Common of SaTH and SCHT. This programme aims to reshape healthcare services across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Discussions were expected to cover various aspects of the HTP, including inter-hospital transfers, with a focus on the types of transfers (time-critical, urgent, and planned) and the protocols to be implemented. The report pack indicated that a full transfer protocol was to be implemented, and that urgent transfers would not routinely include a doctor unless clinically required, reflecting current practice. The committee was to be informed about audits completed and planned regarding transfer numbers, and the modelling of length of stay, with an expectation of it reducing to below seven days.

Concerns were anticipated regarding out-of-county transfers for patients requiring stenting, and plans to improve treatment speed and outcomes were to be discussed. The report pack noted that time-critical stenting cases were already automatically transferred to Stoke via ambulance if there was a threat to life, and that delivering this service locally would require recruiting sufficient cardiologists and installing two CATH labs.

The committee was also scheduled to consider confidence in the recruitment and retention of necessary staff to deliver the HTP plans. The report pack highlighted that there were currently 80 to 90 consultants on the rota and that significant work had been undertaken to make SaTH an attractive place to work, including improvements to rotas. Recruitment numbers were reported to have increased, with efforts being made to retain staff.

Communication and public transport aspects of the HTP were also on the agenda. The report pack indicated that extensive engagement had taken place, including drop-in sessions, focus groups, and community events. The importance of ensuring that communications did not confuse the public about current service arrangements versus changes planned for 2028 was to be emphasised. A park-and-ride service at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) from Oxon had been introduced, and work was ongoing with Network Rail and commercial operators to improve connectivity.

The committee was expected to raise questions about a potential bus service between the two hospital sites and concerns about access for patients and visitors. Discussions regarding transport solutions for staff, patients, and visitors were ongoing with local MPs. The report pack noted that current split-site arrangements already created challenges for frailty and cardiology patients, and that planning would become easier once services were consolidated.

The report pack also indicated that the committee would discuss communications around the HTP, with suggestions to engage local radio stations, such as BBC Radio Shropshire, and use videos in GP surgeries to reach those who are not digitally confident. It was requested that any materials be circulated to JHOSC Members and the town and parish council network.

The report pack indicated that recommendations were to be made regarding transportation plans developed by SaTH, regular progress updates on the HTP, and concise communications from SaTH to Members.

Community Health Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of current and future plans for Community Health Services across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Jo Williams and Andrew Morgan were expected to attend to provide this update and answer questions.

Minutes of Last Meeting

The committee was scheduled to confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 October 2025. The minutes of that meeting, available as JHOSC mins Oct 25.pdf, detailed discussions on the STW Winter Preparedness plan and a Hospital Transformation Update.

Co-Chairs Update

An update from the Co-Chairs was scheduled, highlighting key activity since the last meeting and any important developments or issues for the Committee's attention.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at The Council Chamber, The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ. The agenda and public reports pack for the meeting are available online: Agenda frontsheet 13th-Feb-2026 10.30 Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.pdf and Public reports pack 13th-Feb-2026 10.30 Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.pdf.