Welsh Conservative candidate for Clwyd West, Darren Millar, has condemned proposals to downgrade consultant led emergency services in North Wales.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is currently undertaking a number of reviews into health services in North Wales. Under the Health Board’s proposals, it is understood that consultant led emergency services at one or more district general hospitals could be withdrawn. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board covers Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Anglesey and Gwynedd and it has main hospital sites in Bangor, Bodelwyddan and Wrexham.
When asked to comment, Darren said:
‘I’m appalled that the Local Health Board is considering withdrawing consultant-led emergency services from district general hospitals. Such services are a critical part of NHS provision in our district general hospitals and their removal would put lives at risk – especially if patients are faced with longer journey times for treatment in an emergency.
‘We’re already facing a battle to retain consultant-led maternity and children’s services at all three main hospitals in the region so the threat to consultant-led emergency services could not have come at a worse time – it’s just madness.
‘These proposals are yet another reason to reverse Labour-Plaid’s £1 billion in cuts to the Welsh NHS.’
