Minister to meet NHS staff over health review concerns

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, is one of three general hospitals in north Wales facing a review

Wales' health minister is to meet with hospital staff to hear their concerns about a wide-ranging review under way in north Wales.

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones met with Edwina Hart this week to raise workers' concerns at Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan.

It is one of three hospitals facing reviews in maternity, child health, cancer services and emergency surgery.

Now, the minister has agreed to travel to north Wales to speak with staff, the minister's office confirmed.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has said the review process is not about cuts - and could lead to better patient care.

But Ms Jones says there are "deep and growing concerns".

"The minister immediately offered to come and speak to frontline staff, giving them the opportunity to voice their concerns and I look forward to welcoming her soon," she said.

No date has been fixed for the meeting.

'Risk for mums'

On Friday, the BCUHB announced its review into maternity services at Wrexham Maelor, Bangor and Glan Clwyd hospitals would be extended.

Unpopular with parents, proposals include possible closures, reduced services and centralising special care baby units and children's wards.

Ms Jones said: "The reaction of local people has proven that we need a genuine public consultation that accepts the voice of stakeholders in the wider community.

"The health indicators show that the removal of services from Ysbyty Glan Clwyd could create real risk for mums to be - especially those who experience difficulties during their pregnancy."

The health board said it extended its maternity review as it wanted more time to hold meetings with doctors, charities and local authorities.