UNISON urges Betsi Cadwaladr health board to withdraw maternity unit closure plans

UNISON Cymru/Wales has called on Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to withdraw their proposals to close the consultant-led maternity unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, and to instead commence an open and transparent process to determine the future of North Wales health services.

UNISON is holding regular workplace meetings with the workforce to provide updates on the evolving situation and will also be joining protesters at a demonstration being planned for 21 February against the closure of the unit.

UNISON regional organiser Donna Hutton said: “We have called on the health board to go back to the drawing board and look at alternatives to the closure of the consultant-led maternity unit.

“Our firm view, and that of our members who work as midwives, health care support workers and ambulance staff at the unit, is that the public need this service to remain open.

“We have concerns about the strain that the unit closure would place on services in Wrexham and Bangor, and we believe that there are alternative options that should be considered before taking such drastic action.

“We will continue to campaign against this decision and urge any of our members who have concerns to contact us directly.

“Unfortunately, the confidence of our members is being undermined in what we view to be a cynical attempt by outside organisations to use the vulnerability of the workforce to sensationalise the story.

“UNISON has and will continue to speak out on important issues such as this on behalf of our members.

“We will continue to ensure that our members’ voices are represented and we will carry on our campaign against the closure of this unit.

“We believe in unity, and that does not include expecting individual members of the workforce sticking their head above the parapet to indulge those chasing a scandal.

“We need community groups to come together on this issue for the sake of the service and those who work tirelessly to provide it.”