Dozens of residents turned up at a public meeting in Colwyn Bay on Friday night to have their say on controversial plans to change North Wales NHS services.
Clwyd West AM Darren Millar organised the meeting at the Eirias Leisure Centre in response to the publication of proposals by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which include plans to axe the Minor Injuries Unit from Colwyn Bay Community Hospital.
Representatives of Colwyn Bay Hospital Action Group and baby charity Cuddles, which has been campaigning for improved neonatal intensive care provision in North Wales, contributed to the meeting, and local elected representatives, including Conwy Carers Champion Cllr Cheryl Carlisle and North Wales regional Assembly Members Mark Isherwood and Antoinette Sandbach were also in attendance.
Speaking after the meeting, Darren said:
"Those who attended the meeting on Friday night can be in no doubt that the people of Colwyn Bay are passionate about their local health services.
"Local residents want to retain all of the services currently available at Colwyn Bay Community Hospital and are fearful that if the Minor Injuries Unit is axed then other services will follow in the future.
"An ageing local population; poor public transport; plans to increase housing in the area; and the new sporting developments in the town, are just some of the reasons why local people want to keep a Minor Injuries service in the town.
"As the largest town on the North Wales coast, Colwyn Bay ought to have a hospital which has sufficient services and resources to meet local needs.
"There was also great deal of concern expressed about the possible transfer of long-term neonatal care from North Wales to the Wirral.
"I will work tirelessly to ensure that these messages are heard loudly and clearly by local NHS chiefs and that decision makers take them on board."
Notes:
Photos show Darren Millar AM and members of the public at the Eirias Leisure Centre public meeting on Friday 7th September 2012.