Politicians unite to campaign against potential downgrade of hospital services - Bridgend & Maesteg - South Wales Valleys - News from @walesonline

Politicians unite to campaign against potential downgrade of hospital services - Bridgend & Maesteg - South Wales Valleys - News from @walesonline

POLITICIANS from across the party divide have joined together to campaign against the potential downgrading of hospital services.

Last month, the Gazette revealed health board proposals could see services hit at the accident and emergency, maternity and children’s departments at Bridgend’s Princess of Wales Hospital.

Now Tory AMs Byron Davies and Suzy Davies, Liberal Democrat AM Peter Black and a Plaid Cymru health researcher have all agreed to speak at a public meeting next month.

The controversial plans – detailed in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board’s Changing for the Better report – were sparked by a shortage of cash and doctors.

Under the plans, casualty, maternity and children’s departments at Bridgend’s hospital could be merged with the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, or the Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil.

Ian Spiller was so incensed when he read about the possible downgrading of services he decided to take action.

Mr Spiller, a community councillor for Broadlands, set up on a campaign group social networking website Facebook and an online petition which has received more than 1,500 pledges of support.
He told the Gazette: “It is imperative that we act now to save our services.“I believe with growing populations we need more, not less service locally.
“We are not talking about highly specialist services here, we discussing basic hospital services like A&E, children’s wards, special babies unit and consultant-led births.”

Bridgend AM and First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said he will be unable to attend the meeting due to a ministerial commitment in London
But he said he will be sending a statement to the Gazette for publication ahead of the meeting.

Tim Thomas, a former Plaid Cymru Assembly candidate, of Erw Hir, Bridgend, helped organise the meeting.
“I would urge any resident concerned by these proposals to attend the campaign meeting,” he said. “In an emergency, it is vital that people get prompt treatment.”
The meeting will take place in the Evergreen Hall, Bridgend, on Thursday, November 8, from 7.30pm


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