The interim Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has today reaffirmed plans to launch a consultation into maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Subject to approval by the board, the consultation will now open on the 24th August.
Back in July, the Welsh Conservatives welcomed the plans – despite concerns that the health board had only caved in under threat of a judicial review.
Responding to the statement today, Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said:
“I’m glad that the health board have caved in to overwhelming pressure for a consultation, but it shouldn’t have taken the threat of a judicial review for them to do the right thing.
“It is vital that the health board now ensures that the consultation is genuine; that it includes a range of options; and that any final decisions take public opinion into consideration.
“As such, I would strongly urge as many people as possible to have their say in the upcoming consultation.
“I remain steadfastly opposed to any suspension of doctor-led maternity services at Glan Clwyd Hospital.”
Notes to editors:
Consultation on Temporary Changes to Women’s & Maternity Services
Statement from Simon Dean, Interim Chief Executive – 4th August 2015
We would like to confirm that on 18 August we will hold an extraordinary Board meeting to discuss the proposed consultation on maternity services. We expect to launch the consultation, if approved by the Board, from 24 August 2015.
As part of the recent legal process, we agreed we would discuss the content of the consultation with the claimants. We received a number of helpful points from them over the weekend and want to be sure we have considered all the matters raised before the detailed consultation documents are finalised.
This timeframe will also allow us to hear feedback from the Nursing & Midwifery Council, who visited the service for three days last week.
In the meantime, we would like to reassure women and their families that we are monitoring the quality of maternity services on a daily basis to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and babies.