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Last Updated: Monday, 15 December, 2003, 11:07 GMT
Councils unite as merger watchdog
The merger of Shropshire's two main hospitals will be overseen by a watchdog body of local councillors.

It will monitor changes to patient services provided by the new Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

The trust is trying to reduce a budget deficit of £6.5m.

A joint scrutiny committee, containing county and borough councillors, will meet for the first time on Thursday.

It will be responsible for listening to the views of the public, identifying their needs during the changes and considering how residents will be affected.

Recommendations will then be made to the trust's board.

Councillor Kuldip Sahota, chair of Telford and Wrekin's health and social care commission, said: "This is an excellent example of two councils working together across their boundaries, to get the best for the people who live in their areas.

"It is an exciting opportunity to have a positive impact on the changes that will be made to the services provided by the Shropshire and Telford Hospital NHS Trust."




SEE ALSO:
Loan deal for debt hospitals
23 Oct 03  |  Shropshire
Merger hospital faces £2.5m debt
26 Sep 03  |  Shropshire
Hospital merger 'better for patients'
30 May 03  |  Shropshire


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