A COMMUNITY is fighting to safeguard vital hospital services after a temporary closure.
Councillors from Flint Town Council are outraged that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board took the decision to close the minor injuries unit at the town’s community hospital until April without consulting them.
It came after the same service was temporarily closed without warning in June last year.
Cllr Ian Roberts is now calling for BCUHB’s chief executive and chairman to attend a public meeting with the town council and is appealing to the health minister
Lesley Griffiths and the region’s AM and MP to back the campaign.
He said: “It is shameful this announcement was made just days before Christmas.
“This will have a great effect on the people of Flint and its surrounding area as anyone who suffers injuries will now have to go on a 12-mile round trip to Holywell.
“We condemn the decision and urge the health board to restore and safeguard what is a vital and much needed service.
“The service should be developed and enhanced not reduced.”
BCUHB said it closed the minor injuries unit so staff could be diverted to Holywell Hospital where a further six beds were to be opened in a bid to cope better with the busy winter period.
But the council has won support from Sandy Mewies, Assembly Member for Delyn, and Delyn MP David Hanson in their fight against the move which they outlined at a meeting on Monday.
Mrs Mewies said: “I support Flint town councillors in their bid to have both primary and secondary care health facilities for the people of Flint and the surrounding community improved to the best of standards.”
Mr Hanson added: “Flint Community Hospital provides a vital service for local people and I am concerned the minor injuries unit is subject to a temporary closure for a second time.
“I welcome the statement of principals which emphasises the need for continued improvements to the hospital in Flint and greater collaboration and consultation between BCUHB, the town council and the people of Flint.
“I urge the chief executive and chairman of BCUHB to take up the invitation to attend a public meeting in Flint to discuss how we can protect and develop health services in the town.”
A hospital spokesman said: “Due to the expected rise in acutely ill patients over winter combined with other staffing issues, we have taken the decision to consolidate our services throughout North Wales so we can continue to work safely and effectively.”
“By temporarily closing the MIU in Flint Community Hospital, this has allowed us to open an additional six beds at Holywell Hospital.
“This is a short term operational change until the end of March 2012, taken to ensure we can continue to provide safe services for patients.”