People throughout North Wales concerned about proposed changes to NHS services in the region have only 10 days left to persuade decision makers to retain neonatal services, minor injuries units and community hospitals.
Shadow Health Minister Darren Millar AM has been informed today by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board that it will be receiving recommendations from its public consultation on its proposals on January 18th, starting at 10am at the Optic Centre, St Asaph Business Park to accommodate the public, with publication of the recommendations available that morning.
Darren, who has been supporting those opposed to the changes and hosted several public meetings to enable concerned residents to express their views, said:
"D-day has finally arrived for the North Wales NHS with only 10 days remaining to convince health chiefs that centralising and downgrading our NHS is not the way forward.
"From the community meetings and the views expressed in communications to my office, it is clear that there is strong local opposition to axing minor injury unit services in Ruthin and Colwyn Bay, and objection to the proposals to relocate longer-term neonatal intensive care services from North Wales to Arrowe Park Hospital in the north west of England has been overwhelming.
"I firmly believe in local NHS services for local people and urge the health board to fully take on board the many concerns that have been expressed in the months since the proposals were first announced. It is vital that the public can influence the shape of services in their area. If this is not the case, then as the health board attempts to overcome the financial challenges ahead it could be patients who lose out."
Picture caption: Shadow Health Minister, Clwyd West AM Darren Millar outside Glan Clwyd Hospital.