Following the procurement process, the announcement of IHP – the Joint Venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine – as the Trust’s partner marks a significant milestone in the development of the HTP. IHP will support the trust as it prepares to take the HTP plansthrough the final stage of the national approval process and transform acute hospital services for its communities. Preparatory works are expected to start on the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site from this month, with hoardings and site cabins being developed. The plans will mean the population of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales will benefit from high quality, sustainable care and fewer delays for treatment for everyone, at two thriving hospital sites. The transformation plans have been developed by clinicians. The Telford site will specialise in planned care with the Shrewsbury site specialising in emergency care.

THE BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS INCLUDE:

• Planned care services in Telford that will be available throughout the year leading to fewer cancellations and delays for operations
• Enhanced urgent care services which will be available 24/7 on both hospital sites
• Improved emergency care services delivered from a new, purpose-built Emergency Department in Shrewsbury, meaning that patients will be seen more quickly, with shorter stays and faster ambulance handovers times.

Dr Ed Rysdale, consultant in emergency medicine and clinical lead for the Hospitals Transformation Programme, said: “I’m excited that we are moving ever closer to delivering our vision of two thriving hospital sites. This is so much more than building works, this is about fundamentally improving care for all the communities we serve through better pathways and joined-up care between our services. “This is an important step forward for the programme and it is exciting to be able to welcome our contractors onsite as they prepare for the necessary enabling works.” Louise Barnett, chief executive of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We are pleased to be working with IHP who bring a wealth of experience in large-scale construction, as well as offering genuine opportunities for local businesses. We will be continuing to keep local communities and clinicians involved at every stage of the works, to help design a positive experience for everyone.” John Roberts, managing director at VINCI Building, said: “We are delighted to be selected as the design and construction partner for the Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP) and we are looking forward to working with the Trust to deliver this high-quality transformation programme for patients, which will provide significant improvements and benefits.”