Maternity review meetings start for north Wales staff

There has been concern some services could move from Glan Clwyd to Wrexham and Bangor

The first of two "stakeholder" meetings is to be held to help decide the future of maternity services in north Wales.

In July, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced a review of maternity and neonatology services.

As part of the review, staff and stakeholders will attend two meetings, the first of which is being held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Conwy.

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones has said she has been assured there will be no closure of maternity units.

Staff at Glan Clwyd hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, have expressed fears that some services could be switched to Wrexham and Bangor as part of a cost-saving exercise.

However, AM Ms Jones said health board Michael Williams had said there will be no loss of facilities for pregnant women.

She said: "I have telephoned the chairman and he has assured me there are no plans to close any maternity units across the board's area."

As part of its review, the Bangor-based health board - which is responsible for services in six counties across north Wales - has set up a project team led by a consultant obstetrician and a consultant paediatrician.

Its initial work has been to look at "evidence of adherence to the national standards set by the Welsh Assembly and by relevant Royal Colleges".

A statement by the board in July said: "The focus is on patient safety and the quality of care provided.

"As part of the review process, two stakeholder events have been arranged in September and October 2010.

"These events will involve large numbers of staff and partners who will help to shape the way forward."