"Hospital Scheme Must Be Put Back On Track" - Öpik

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 9th Jun 2006

"We need to move things forward to get the best mental health facility as soon as possible."

Speaking in the House of Commons this week local MP Lembit Öpik warned that failing to build a new mental health hospital in Shropshire could have serious consequences for the whole of Central Wales.

Lembit's warning came after Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust's withdrew their support from the planned redevelopment of mental health services in Shropshire.

In response to Lembit's question, Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales, said he would assist in resolving the problem.

Commenting afterwards, Lembit, MP for Montgomeryshire and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:

"We want top quality mental healthcare in this area. The staff at Shelton Hospital do a wonderful job but they can't disguise the fact that as a facility it's growing outdated.

"Thanks to the cooperation of all stakeholders over the past four years we have a plan on the table which could provide the best modern facilities for our area. Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust must not walk away from these proposals.

"Waiting costs money. The longer we wait to decide a site for the new mental healthcare facilities, the more money we're burning away. Each pound lost compromises the chances of good outcomes for people with difficult conditions.

"This problem needs to be resolved as soon as possible. With Mick Bates, AM for Montgomeryshire, I've written to Telford and Wrekin PCT to ask them to reengage with the process and move things forward so we can get the best mental heath facility as soon as possible. I'm grateful to Peter Hain, for agreeing to help resolve this worrying situation."

ENDS

- Telford and Wrekin PCT have withdrawn their support from the process of re-providing Shelton Hospital.

- 13 consultant psychiatrists and clinical directors have condemned Telford and Wrekin PCT's actions.