Public meeting over north Wales health board review

Glan Clwyd Hospital in Denbighshire is one of the sites under review

Residents in Denbighshire who are concerned about possible changes to the health service across north Wales are due to attend a public meeting.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is in the process of reviewing services across Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and the Maelor Hospital, Wrexham.

Organisers of Monday night's meeting in Rhuddlan are opposed to possible cuts.

Medical staff are also invited to the meeting at Ebenezer Chapel at 1900 GMT.

Brenda Taylor, who organised the meeting, said health board chief executive Mary Burrows had been invited.

In particular, Ms Taylor is concerned about the possible downgrading of maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, which could mean expectant mothers having to travel to Bangor or Wrexham.

Emergency services and cancer services are also under review.

Ms Taylor said she hoped medical staff will attend.

She added: "Local feelings are running high, but we hope it will be a constructive meeting which will show the health board exactly how people feel about the changes being talked about."

In a statement, the health board said: "Representatives of the health board have been invited to the meeting this evening in Rhuddlan, which is being led by Mrs Taylor and supported by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council.

"The board was informed that the meeting had been organised to identify ideas and options for the public sector including the health service to save money.

"This is most welcome and John Watkins, chief officer, Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, will ensure that all suggestions relevant to the NHS will be shared with the Health Board.

"The meeting will look at a broad range of issues affecting public bodies throughout north Wales not just the NHS."