An alternative to controversial plans to scrap doctor-led maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd has been developed and is currently being considered by Health Board bosses.
The plan ‘B’, which would see doctor-led maternity services retained in Bodelwyddan, was drafted following a meeting last week between Clwyd West AM Darren Millar AM, Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones, consultants and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Chair, Medical Director and Women’s Clinical Services lead.
The meeting was established after the Health Board was challenged to meet with the AMs in a last ditch attempt to avoid the suspension of doctor-led maternity care at Glan Clwyd Hospital, which is set to be axed on 6th April.
Darren said:
“At the end of the public meeting Chaired by Ann and me at St Asaph Cathedral two weeks ago, the Health Board agreed to meet with us and consultants to consider alternative solutions the consultants might be able to bring forward to avoid the loss of doctor-led maternity care at Glan Clwyd Hospital. As a result of this meeting, a plan ‘B’ has now been developed which will secure the continuity services at Bodelwyddan.
“Both Ann and I fully support the proposals and we call upon the Health Board to end the uncertainty and worry for staff, mothers-to-be and their families by adopting the plan and implementing it as soon as possible.
Ann added:
“Darren and myself are delighted that this alternative plan has been put on the table which will not involve removing doctor-led maternity services and putting lives at risk.
“As we have said from the start, families in North Wales should not have to pay the price for the failure of Health Board bosses to get to grips with staff shortages and recruitment and retention problems. This alternative plan will ensure that they don’t.”