AMs will today vote on a motion calling on North Wales’ health board to protect consultant-led maternity services.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board plans to suspend consultant-led maternity services for a period of at least 12 months from April 2015.
Ysbyty Glan Clwyd deals with more complex births than other North Wales hospitals and has the region’s highest caesarean section rate. The hospital is also the location for a new neonatal intensive care unit, which is due to open in 2017/18.
As a result of the plans and lack of consultation with staff, doctors in North Wales today announced the passing of a vote of no confidence in health board bosses.
Darren Millar AM, Shadow Minister for Health, said, “The proposal to downgrade maternity services in North Wales is dangerous and will force expectant mothers with complex pregnancies to travel further, putting the lives of them and their babies at risk.
“Betsi bosses failed to consult in advance of their decision and gave the green light to changes without a full assessment of the risks involved or the impact on other services.
“The people of North Wales have made their opposition to these short-sighted proposals very clear through a 15,000 name petition, thousands gathering at a protest rally in Rhyl and in a public meeting in St Asaph last week.
“It is time health bosses listened to the people they are supposed to serve, reversed their decision and acted to protect doctor-led maternity services in each district general hospital in North Wales.”