Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has called on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to reopen Colwyn Bay Minor Injuries Unit.

The previous unit was closed in February 2013 after 115 years of service to the town, but Darren has asked Health Board bosses to consider re-establishing the unit to reduce emergency department pressures at Glan Clwyd Hospital.   

Darren discussed his proposal during a visit to Colwyn Bay Community Hospital last week.

He said:

“I visited Colwyn Bay Hospital to meet staff, patients and Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, but during the visit I took the opportunity to discuss the case for the re-opening of the Minor Injuries Unit being at the hospital with the Chair of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Dr Peter Higson.

“The Bay of Colwyn is the largest population centre on the North Wales coast it deserves to have its own minor injuries unit.  The town has a large number of elderly and disabled residents, and a lots of families on low incomes; travelling to Llandudno or Bodelwyddan is not easy for a lot of the people living here.

“The unit should never have closed in the first place, but in light of the intense pressures being placed on the emergency department at Glan Clwyd, I think it is vital that the Health Board seriously considers reopening this much needed service in Colwyn Bay.”

He added:

“I very much enjoyed my visit to Colwyn Bay Hospital and must commend the great work being carried out there by both paid staff and volunteers.”

Picture Caption: Shadow Health Minister Darren Millar AM with Health Board Chair Peter Higson, Hospital Matron, Frances Millar (centre)  and Sisters Tracy Lewis and Dawn Foxley.