18.01.13
BCUHB revises health shake-up plans
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has revised its plans for reforming health services in north Wales.
The new plans are to site a “hub” hospital at Mold, not Deeside as originally planned. The proposals have met with strong public opposition, particularly plans to move long-term intensive neonatal care to Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral.
The proposals would also see community hospitals at Flint, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llangollen would shut, as well as minor injury units at Chirk, Colwyn Bay, Mold and Ruthin, and a number of x-ray departments.
Dr Martin Duerden, medical director of BCUHB, told a meeting of the board on Friday: “There are some very difficult decisions we need to make. They are highly contentious. Some people will be upset, but whatever decision we make we are not in a position to do nothing.
“There will be differences of opinion between doctors, nurses and the public, but we have to reach agreement.
“Things are changing. Health technology is changing, the population is changing. There's a general trend to do as much as we can in the community but to centralise specialist services – this creates a balancing act.
“Money is a consideration, but it's not the only consideration. We have not had a growth in our budget for some time and don't expect growth for some time yet.”
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