Call for new A&E

WEST Midlands Mayor Andy Street has urged the Government back plans for a new £36.2 million A&E department at Walsall Manor Hospital.

He wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock to express “concern at the current state of affairs” at the hospital.

But he said the new A&E department could be up and running in 2021 if the Government provided the cash. Mr Street, a Conservative, said in the letter: “Our hospital in Walsall is in particular need of attention following recent developments.”

Walsall Heathcare NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, is struggling to meet growing demand for accident and emergency services, and the situation is made even harder because the facilities are out of date.

It has asked for £36.2 million to redevelop the emergency department.