A consultation into the future of emergency health care across Shropshire has been dubbed a ‘tell and sell’ exercise.

Health bosses behind the Future Fit shake-up came under fire as councillors from Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin said there was widespread scepticism of the programme.

Councillor Andy Burford yesterday (Monday, July 30) said many people felt the decision to create a countywide emergency department at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and have planned care at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford was “a foregone conclusion” as it was the preferred option of both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

Cllr Burford, who co-chairs the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “People may feel this is a foregone conclusion.”

He asked heath bosses: “It prompts the question what somebody might be able to say to you at consultation events or via the survey to change your minds to adapt or alter your decision in some way.

“Are you just informing or telling and selling, or are you really consultating about these options?

“It feels to me like it is more tell and sell.”

Councillor Karen Calder, who also co-chairs the committee, said after promises from health bosses in the past there was “cynicism” and “angst” from the public about whether their comments were being listed to.

Health bosses denied any predetermination. David Evans, chief officer for Telford CCG, said he was “disappointed” by Cllr Burford comments, adding they were “obliged” to consider consultation responses.

Dr Simon Freeman, accountable officer for Shropshire CCG, said he shared Mr Evans’ “frustrations”, but continued: “I do think asking what will get change is an entirely relevant question and one that should command a response.

“It could be a major piece of work, like a suggestive third site model, or it could be changes around the preferred model, or changes to the preferred model.

“We are demonstrating we are listening – and if anyone has evidence of any predetermination I would like to see it.”

Meanwhile Councillor Stephen Burrell criticised the NHS team and said he was “disturbed” after the consultation mid-point review revealed only 0.5 per cent of the population that uses that hospitals had responded.

Pam Schreier, head of communications and engagement for Future Fit, had told the meeting one per cent was “considered to be good” by independent reviewers.

She said: “We would normally in every consultation see more responses come in the second half – and normally expect to see a spike at the very end of the consultation.”

Dr Freeman added: “I would like to see a far greater response. We are doing everything we can to get people to respond and will do anything we can to get that higher rate of response.”