Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George joined hundreds of residents, clinicians, and campaigners in voicing deep concern over Hywel Dda University Health Board’s proposals to downgrade services at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.
In options that have been presented by the health board, Bronglais Hospital would become a ‘Treat and Transfer’ hospital for stroke patients. This would mean that following initial care, patients would then be transferred to another hospital within the Hywel Dda health board area.
Residents who attended a packed public meeting have said that plans being considered by Hywel Dda University Health Board, including the downgrading of Stroke Services at Bronglais Hospital, will have serious and far-reaching consequences for communities across mid Wales.
At the public meeting held on Friday (20th June) at the Great Hall, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, approximately 400 people came together from across the region to voice their concerns. There was a strong consensus at the meeting that the proposed removal of the Stroke Unit at Bronglais and the shift to a ‘Treat and Transfer’ model, transporting patients to Llanelli or Withybush hospitals, will compromise patient safety and well-being.
The audience, which included former clinicians, expressed deep concern that these plans are both unworkable and dangerous.
Senedd member, Russell George, who addressed the meeting alongside other politicians, highlighted that the Bronglais Stroke Unit is a lifesaving for the people of mid Wales and he also paid tribute to the Protect Bronglais Services campaign group. In his comments to the public meeting, Mr George pointed out the importance of family members being able to visit loved ones whilst in recovery following a stroke and sited that under the proposals, families from areas like Llanidloes or Machynlleth would face a four-hour round trip to support loved ones during their critical period of rehabilitation.
Commenting, after speaking at the public meeting, Mr George said:
‘’The proposals to remove the stroke unit at Bronglais and adopt a ‘Treat and Transfer’ model, sending patients to Llanelli or Haverfordwest, are simply not acceptable for the people of mid Wales. The geography of our region means long, stressful journeys for families at a time of crisis. A round trip from towns such as Llanidloes or Machynlleth to travel to Llanelli would take a family member four hours or more to visit a loved one. We know how important it is in a stroke patients’ rehabilitation to have the support of family members and friends.
‘’We should be investing in Bronglais, not downgrading its services. Former clinicians have rightly said these plans are unworkable and dangerous. The health board must listen to the clear and united voice from mid Wales.
‘’My thanks go to the Protect Bronglais Services campaign team for their tireless efforts in raising awareness and mobilising the community.
‘’It was clear that all present at the public meeting gave a clear view to the Health Board to listen to the voices of mid Wales and to ensure that the vital Stroke Unit remains and isn’t downgraded.’’
This public consultation, now in its third week, and is open until 31st August. To view and respond to the consultation, visit: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/about-us/healthier-mid-and-west-wales/clinical-services-plan-consultation/.
