The Welsh Health Minister has refused to meet with a parent support charity to discuss the future of neonatal care in North Wales.
Clwyd West AM Darren Millar wrote to the Minister on behalf of Cuddles, a parent support group for the special care baby unit in Glan Clwyd Hospital, which wanted to discuss their concerns over the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's proposals to relocate long-term neonatal care from North Wales to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, with the Minister.
The Health Board's controversial proposals are currently out to public consultation and Cuddles has been campaigning to retain services in North Wales.
In a response to Darren Millar, the Health Minister said, "it would not be appropriate for me to meet with the group whilst the consultation is ongoing."
John Hewitt of Cuddles said: "The "quasi judicial" excuse given by the Minister is completely unacceptable.
"There should not be any relationship between Betsi Cadwaladr and the Minister and we do not accept there is a legitimate reason for her not to meet us."
Mr Millar added: "I'm disappointed that the Minister has declined to meet Cuddles to discuss the future of neonatal care.
"The views they which have been expressed by the charity are widespread across North Wales and the Minister need not compromise her position simply meeting with them and listening to their concerns.
"I would be very surprised if the Minister hasn't met with the Health Board to listen to their views on neonatal care. If that is the case then I see no reason why she can't meet with Cuddles and others who have an interest in these matters."
Note:
1. Photo shows Darren Millar AM with Cuddles members (left-right): Vicki Roberts, Nikki Hewitt, Darren Millar AM, John Hewitt, Allan Mitcheley, Sandra Jones, James Smith and David Schofield (front).
2. For more information on Cuddles and the campaign for neonatal intensive care, please visit their website at: http://www.cuddles.org.uk/