Launch of consultation for maternity services 'shake up'

The proposed downgrading of services at Glan Clywd Hospital was met with opposition earlier this year. Credit: PA Images

Health bosses will launch a public consultation today giving options on how maternity services in North Wales should be run in the future.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was placed under 'special measures' in June, following what Health Minister Mark Drakeford described as 'long-standing concerns about governance, leadership and other issues'.>Maternity services at hospitals run by the Board were identified as one of the key special measures, and particularly of services at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd where staffing and services have been an issue.

Ysbyty Glan Clywd hospital has been a source of contention for patients and expectant mothers who want consultant services to continue. Credit: ITV Wales

After meeting last week, the Board identified four options on short-term changes to maternity services at their hospitals, which were:

  • Continuing to run maternity services as they are, which the Board say is unsustainable.

  • Transitioning to midwife-led services at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

  • Transitioning to midwife-led services at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital.

  • Removing consultants from maternity services at Ysbyty Glan Clywd Hospital.

The consultation will go on until the 5th October, when a decision on how to go forward will be made.