The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has announced a ‘significant investment' in increasing urgent and emergency care capacity at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) for this winter.

The expansion includes 40 further assessment spaces and a new frailty same day emergency care unit at PRH, and the construction of two new modular wards with an 56 additional inpatient beds at RSH.

Dr Saskia Jones-Perrott, divisional medical director for medicine and emergency care, said: ‘We want every patient who uses our urgent and emergency care services to have the best care and experience.

‘This winter we are introducing additional beds and assessment areas at both hospitals which will help to reduce waiting times for admissions into hospital and improve access to emergency care.

‘Expanding same day emergency care, including a frailty SDEC unit, will increase the number of patients who can be assessed and treated on the day of their arrival, reducing waits or the need for a hospital admission. We know this is much better for our patients, particularly those who are frail and more vulnerable.

‘We are making steady progress and know that we have more to do, and we hope this investment will accelerate the improvements we are making.'