Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is a major National Health Service hospital located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, serving a population of around Shropshire and mid-Wales. The hospital provides a wide range of medical and surgical services, including Accident and Emergency, Maternity services, and Cancer treatment, in partnership with University of Keele, Keele University School of Medicine, and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. It has close ties with neighboring hospitals, such as Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, and Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, as well as Birmingham Children's Hospital and Birmingham Women's Hospital.

● History

The hospital has a long history dating back to the 18th century, with roots in the Shrewsbury Infirmary, which was founded in 1747 by Thomas Knight, Richard Hill, and other local philanthropists, including King George III and Queen Charlotte. Over the years, the hospital has undergone several transformations, including a major rebuild in the 1960s, with support from NHS England, Department of Health and Social Care, and Shropshire Council. The hospital has been affiliated with various medical institutions, such as University of Birmingham, Birmingham Medical School, and Royal College of Surgeons of England, and has been involved in numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming and Howard Florey at St Mary's Hospital, London.

● Services

The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, and Orthopedic surgery, in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital, Guy's Hospital, and St Thomas' Hospital. The hospital's Accident and Emergency department is one of the busiest in the region, serving patients from Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, and surrounding areas, including Wrexham, Newtown, and Welshpool. The hospital also provides Mental health services, Rehabilitation services, and Palliative care, in partnership with Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and Marie Curie. Additionally, the hospital has a strong focus on Medical research, with collaborations with University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

● Facilities

The hospital's facilities include state-of-the-art operating theaters, intensive care units, and MRI and CT scanners, as well as a Helipad for Air ambulance services, including Midlands Air Ambulance and Welsh Air Ambulance. The hospital also has a range of amenities, including a Cafeteria, Shop, and Chapel, as well as Accommodation for patients and visitors, including Travelodge and Premier Inn. The hospital's Car park is managed by NCP, and the hospital is accessible by public transport, including Arriva and Stagecoach buses.

● Controversies

The hospital has been involved in several controversies over the years, including concerns about Patient safety, Staffing levels, and Waiting times, which have been addressed by NHS Improvement, Care Quality Commission, and Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group. In 2018, the hospital was criticized for its handling of a Norovirus outbreak, which affected several wards, including Pediatrics and Geriatrics, and was supported by Public Health England and Shropshire Council. The hospital has also faced challenges related to Funding and Resource allocation, which have been addressed by Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and Shropshire Council.

● Redevelopment

The hospital is currently undergoing a major redevelopment, with plans to build a new Emergency department, Theatre suite, and Ward block, as well as upgrade existing facilities, including Radiology and Pathology departments. The redevelopment is being supported by Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, and NHS England, and is expected to improve patient care and experience, as well as provide new opportunities for Medical research and Education, in partnership with University of Keele and Keele University School of Medicine. The project is being managed by BAM Construct UK, Kier Group, and Laing O'Rourke, and is expected to be completed by 2025, with support from Arup, Mott MacDonald, and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.