North Wales NHS: Betsi Cadwaladr no confidence vote passed

A number of protests such as this one by Flint demonstrators have been held over the shake-up

Conwy council has passed a motion of no confidence in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The motion was deferred last month to hold talks on the boards's proposed changes to services in north Wales.

Controversial proposals include closing four community hospitals and transferring care for seriously ill babies to England.

The health board (BCUHB) says the changes are essential due to financial pressures.

The no confidence motion was put to Conwy council by Cheryl Carlisle (Conservative), Brian Cossey (Lib Dem) and Phil Edwards (Plaid Cymru).

At the time council leader Dilwyn Roberts told the meeting that the motion had made people "sit up and listen".

"The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has agreed to meet with us urgently," he said.

"I hope this will be a constructive way forward, not just for us but for the whole of north Wales."

Legal action considered

The proposals have led to protests in a number of areas of north Wales, with some considering legal action.

A cross-party group of members of the Welsh assembly, including a Labour AM, has also united in an attempt to save local health services in north Wales.

The four AMs want Health Minister Lesley Griffiths to intervene in plans to move specialist intensive baby care to England.

The group - Ann Jones AM (Labour), Darren Millar AM (Conservative), Llyr Huws Gruffydd AM (Plaid Cymru), and Aled Roberts AM (Liberal Democrat) - have also written to the local Community Health Council (CHC) urging the watchdog to formally object to the health board's findings.