Health leaders in Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin are taking major steps to expand community-based care, aiming to improve patient recovery and reduce pressure on local hospitals.
With a £3.6 million reinvestment, the initiative will shift more services into patients’ homes and residential settings. This approach allows people to recover from illness or injury in familiar surroundings while staying close to their support networks.
As part of the plan, the Rehabilitation and Recovery Units at the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal hospitals will close, with the wards returning to acute hospital use.
The move to community care promises faster access to support, reduced waiting times, and fewer unnecessary hospital stays, helping patients get the care they need—often the same day.
What the Program Offers
Integrated Community Front Door: A single point of access to urgent community care, allowing patients to receive help without going to the hospital. Health and social care professionals assess and support people quickly, often on the same day.
Two-Hour Domiciliary Care Bridging: Rapid home care within two hours, helping patients return home safely after hospital or receive urgent support while longer-term care is arranged.
Extended Discharge Planning: Tailored support for patients with complex needs, ensuring proper care, equipment, and home adaptations are in place to avoid re-admission.
GP Support at Hospital Entrances: Dedicated GPs provide early assessments to help patients access the right care without unnecessary hospital stays.
Care Transfer Hub and System Manager: A central team coordinates safe, timely discharges into the community, with expanded weekend therapy coverage to maintain continuous care.
Enhanced Urgent Community Response (UCR): Faster access to urgent care at home, with extended hours until midnight and stronger clinical oversight, easing pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
Dr. Lorna Clarson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin, said:
“These changes will help people stay independent at home, even during illness or recovery, with extended hours of support and more personalized, coordinated care from local health professionals. Patients can leave hospital safely, with the right equipment and support, reducing the risk of re-admission and enabling smoother recovery.”
This program is a collaboration between NHS Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, local authorities, and primary care partners, including HealthHero Integrated Care.
The initiative also aligns with the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, which aims to strengthen local services and enhance recovery and rehabilitation support.
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