Hundreds of people gathered at St Asaph Carthedral last night to make their views known about Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s plans to scrap doctor-led maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
Passions ran high at the packed meeting which was jointly organised and chaired by Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones and Clwyd West AM Darren Millar, who have put party politics aside to fight the Board's proposals.
Matt Makin, the Medical Director of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and Angela Hopkins, it's Director of Nursing, outlined the Board's proposals and questions and concerns were heard from pregnant mothers, NHS doctors staff, and the wider public.
Representatives of the British Medical Association and the Royal College of GPs outlined their opposition to the Health Board's plans, as did campaigner Marsha Davis of Little Miracles UK. Local politicians Chris Ruane MP, Mark Isherwood AM and Aled Roberts AM, who were also in attendance.
Darren said:
“As expected there was a huge turn out at this meeting and the overwhelming message from the public and clinicians who were there was that these changes are not wanted and will put lives at risk.
“Towards the end of the meeting the Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, summed up the mood of those who gathered and expressed his own concerns - he received a spontaneous standing ovation for his contribution.”
Ann Jones AM said:
“It was a very productive meeting and I would like to thank everyone who attended.
"At the end of the meeting the Health Board agreed to meet with the consultants and Darren and myself to consider any alternative solutions the consultants might be able to bring forward to avoid the loss of doctor-led maternity care at Glan Clwyd. We are hoping to convene the meeting next week.”
Picture Caption 1; Campaigner Marsha Davis of Little Miracles UK addressing the crowd.
2: (from left to right) Matt Makin, Medical Director, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Angela Hopkins, Director of Nursing, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones and Clwyd West AM Darren Millar
3. Hundreds gathered at St Asaph Cathedral for the meeting.
4. Angela Hopkins, Director of Nursing, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, responding to questions.