Assembly Member for Clwyd West, Darren Millar AM has met with health chiefs in North Wales to seek assurances over the future of Minor Injury Units in his constituency.
Just before Christmas, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced that Minor Injury Units in Colwyn Bay and Ruthin hospitals would be closed down for three months due to winter pressures. The closures met with angry responses from local residents who have been fearful over the long term future of the hospitals.
Last week Darren was presented with a petition signed by 3,000 residents in the Ruthin area, calling for guarantees about the future of the hospital in the town.
Darren Millar AM met with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Health Board to discuss the closures on Friday.
Following the meeting, Darren said:
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Health Board to discuss the future of the hospitals in Colwyn Bay and Ruthin. These are an important part of NHS provision in my constituency, providing invaluable services to the local population.
“The decision to close Minor Injuries Units in Ruthin and Colwyn Bay came completely out of the blue and there was no consultation with members of the public or their elected representatives. The Health Board must improve the way it engages with local residents in the future if it is to restore public confidence in its decision making processes.
“The Chief Executive and Chair have given me assurances about the future of both Colwyn Bay and Ruthin Hospitals, indicating that they are committed to reopening both Minor Injuries Units in April and confirming that there are no plans to close either facility.
“I intend to make formal visits to both hospitals over the next few weeks to hear more about the Health Board’s plans for the future.”
