Betsi maternity judicial review formally ended by judge

The health board had been expected to end consultant-led maternity services at Glan Clwyd Hospital in April

A judge has issued an order for a health board to consult on whether to downgrade maternity services at a Denbighshire hospital.

The order formalises a decision by Betsi Cadwaladr health board not to contest a judicial review of its proposed changes at Glan Glwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan.

Mrs Justice Davies said the board had lost the trust of the community.

Health bosses said a consultation will be held over the summer.

The process brings to a close the legal procedure started when campaigners sought a judicial review over the board's plans.

The hospital had originally planned to end consultant-led maternity services in April but the bid for judicial review put the plan on hold amid calls for a wider consultation.

The complainants were awarded their legal costs at the end of the hearing.

'Very sorry'

Health board interim chief executive Simon Dean said: "We expect this consultative process to take place over the summer and we will be making every effort to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to participate.

"We all acknowledge what a difficult period of uncertainty and worry this has been for our staff and patients, for which we are very sorry."

Stephen Jones, deputy director of the British Medical Association (BMA) Wales, which represents doctors, said he was encouraged by Mr Dean's "commitment to build a new relationship" with staff and the public.

"It is time for a new start and fresh thinking," said Mr Jones.