A HOSPITAL has stopped admitting in-patients, and minor injuries services will stop within two weeks.
Llangollen hospital is due to close after Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) announced a shake up of health services last month.
But the closure to in-patients this week has shocked opponents of the changes, who say proposals are being rushed through.
BCUHB also announced that minor injuries will be shutting in both Llangollen and Chirk hospitals within two works, moving to the new “hub” at Wrexham Maelor.
The time-scale of changes was decided at a meeting of the health board on January 18.
The closure to new admissions at Llangollen was due to the starting of the “process of redeployment to strengthen other community and hospital services”, a statement from BCUHB said.
But opponents are outraged that changes are being pushed through before they have had chance to formally respond.
“We are still in a response period, and so is the Community Health Council,” said Llangollen Cllr Stuart Davies, “and yet they’re trying to push this through as soon as possible.”
“They’re trying to make it a fait accompli,” he said.
North Wales Plaid AM Llyr Gruffydd, who campaigned against the proposals, raised the issue in the Senedd.
He said: “We have heard that Betsi Cadwaladr is rushing to close community hospital services unilaterally.
“Isn’t it astounding that the health board is implementing its proposed changes before the Community Health Council gives its formal response? Is it acceptable that the Health Board is riding roughshod over both the CHC and minister and ploughing on with its changes regardless?” he asked.
A statement from BCUHB said: “At the moment the Community Health Council is considering its response to our planned changes and we fully respect their position.
“However, we have to balance this with safety of services, our use of resources and our desire to implement the planned service improvements.
“The board will continue to work with the Community Health Council over the next few weeks to address any outstanding concerns but it is right that, where appropriate, we move forward without undue delay.”