1,500 protest maternity cuts at Glan Clwyd Hospital

More than 1,500 people have protested in Rhyl against the suspension of consultant maternity care at a north Wales hospital.

People turned out on Saturday to protest changes at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire.

Consultant care has been suspended due to a shortage of qualified staff.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said it is a temporary measure and a consultant-led maternity service will return to Glan Clwyd within 18 months.

Announcing the downgrade, the health board said expectant mothers who needed "complex care" should be treated at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor or Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Rally organiser Marsha Davis said: "If they had their way there will only be half a hospital in a couple of months."

The health board previously said: "Staffing pressures have built up over many months and have reached the point where those mothers and babies who need our care the most could be put at risk.

"We cannot, and we will not, allow this to happen."

The changes are due to come into effect on 6 April.

More than 1,500 protesters gathered for the rally in Rhyl