THE MS for Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, has urged Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Eluned Morgan MS, minister for health and social services, to “unleash Llandudno General Hospital’s potential”.

This follows a visit to Llandudno Hospital, where she met with consultant surgeon Graham Whiteley, his team, and other medical professionals.

Mrs Finch-Saunders has long campaigned for more services and responsibilities to be given to Llandudno Hospital.

She was delighted to see the Bridging Service trial undertaken at the Aberconwy ward, and the operating theatre re-open.

She said: “I would like to thank all the team at Betsi Cadwaladr for giving me their time at Llandudno Hospital.

“They are truly inspirational people and give me reason for hope.

“I have maintained for years that our local health facility is underutilised and has the potential to reduce pressure on the three major hospitals in North Wales.

“From listening to those who work on the ground this week, my view has been reinforced.

“What we need to see is the health board leadership and minister for health and social services take decisive action to unleash Llandudno Hospital’s potential.

“What greater sign of lack of priority given to our local hospital than the disclosure to me that there is a second theatre, but that it has sat unused since before the pandemic because it needs a ventilation system.

“Well, one should be fitted as a matter of urgency.

“Other problems found during my visit were faulty air-conditioning units, an unreliable lift, and lack of patient referrals to Llandudno.

“It makes no sense to place the major burden of waiting lists on Glan Clwyd, Gwynedd, and Wrexham, when staff want to and could provide more treatment in Llandudno.”

The hospital’s operating theatre reopened in May 2022 and treats day surgery patients, meaning that the patient does not need to stay overnight.

Hernia, gallbladder and some orthopaedic procedures are now being carried out in the theatre to help increase the capacity available to treat more patients waiting for operations.

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Llandudno Hospital’s operating theatre re-opens to patients

Mrs Finch-Saunders added: “I have the political will to see more treatment provided at Llandudno, I believe that staff want to see more treatment provided at Llandudno, and I have reason to hope that the health board just might be listening and that a surprise may be round the corner.

“The simple fact remains that the hospital is massively underused and is capable of providing quality and safe treatment.

“I will continue to challenge the health board and the Welsh Government to ensure that more services are provided at Llandudno District General Hospital.”