Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar called on NHS chiefs to guarantee the future of consultant-led maternity services in North Wales.
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s review of maternity and neonatal services in North Wales is expected to be completed in September. Under the review, consultant-led maternity services could be axed at one or more of the three main hospital sites with existing services replaced by a midwifery led unit. There are currently consultant-led services at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan and the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
In an update on the first stage of the review last week, the Health Board confirmed that the way that maternity services were planned and delivered in North Wales ‘had to change’.
Commenting on the update Darren said:
“This is an incredibly sensitive time in the development of any proposals for change and it remains critically important that a high quality service is available as locally as possible for mums-to-be.
“Consultant-led services are essential at each district hospital site and their future must be guaranteed.
“It’s crucial that the Health Board does not overlook the importance of cross-border services in this review.
“Health chiefs must engage fully with patients and allow for a comprehensive consultation process prior to the implementation on any change.”
