The annual report for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Trust reveals a record number of patients were treated last year as officials struggled to deal with a funding crisis.

The hospital will merge with the Princess Royal Hospital at Telford on 1 October.

The hospital trust's chairman Tom Caulcott said patient care had actually improved over the last year with waiting times reduced to the point that patients were treated faster than at any time since records began.

Nearly 250,000 patients were treated at the hospital last year.

But hospital bosses say financial pressures have left the hospital with a massive debt of �2.5m which will take three years to clear.

It is hoped the merger - which will only cover the managerial structure of both hospitals - will help secure more substantial funding to expand and retain patient services.

Both hospitals will continue to provide outpatient and inpatient services, including accident and emergency, paediatrics and intensive care.