TWO regional politicians and the leader of Flintshire Council have given their backing to campaigners fighting to save Flint Cottage Hospital.
Labour councillor Aaron Shotton and two North Wales regional AMs, Tory Mark Isherwood and Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Huws Gruffydd, voiced their concerns over the proposed closure of the hospital at a packed public meeting last night.
Health bosses at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) announced last week Flint’s Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) is to close tomorrow with patients having to travel to Holywell for treatment instead.
Mr Huws Gruffydd told the meeting at Flint Town Hall: “There is no question that the health service needs to evolve and change in order to cope with the changing needs of the population, but this is not the way to do it.
“Many people in Flintshire live in transport poverty and to put extra strain on them to have to take the bus or taxi to Holywell is just not on.”
Opponents of plans to close the hospital expressed their anger at the decision to close the unit. They say the consultation process has not been concluded and North Wales Community Health Council (CHC) has yet to make a final decision on whether to formerly oppose closing the unit.
The CHC declined an invitation to attend the meeting and to field questions from the public, a move which disappointed Cllr Shotton.
“Let me make it clear, we have cross party support on this issue and have made it clear that we oppose the plans to close Flint Cottage Hospital,” he said.
“The community health council had the chance to come here tonight and listen to your thoughts and concerns, but they have failed to do so which is disappointing.”