MS Slams Denbighshire County Council over North Denbighshire Community Hospital.
The local Member of the Senedd for Vale of Clwyd, Gareth Davies has slammed Denbighshire County Council's failure to commit to delivering North Denbighshire Community Hospital in Rhyl.
A recent motion by Councillor Brian Jones to Denbighshire County Council would have relieved pressure on Glan Clwyd Hospital by creating additional bed space at the Royal Alexandra Hospital with the long-term goal of establishing a Community Hospital for North Denbighshire, but it was voted down by lead cabinet members including Leader, Cllr Jason McLellan, Deputy Leader, Cllr Gill German and Lead Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Elen Heaton. Gareth informed the Senedd that residents across the Vale of Clwyd consider this as threat to the long-term development of the hospital as local residents have been promised this facility for over a decade with no tangible evidence of a spade going in the ground.
In the Senedd chamber, Gareth asked the Leader of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths whether the Welsh Government is still committed to building North Denbighshire Community Hospital in Rhyl and if it is still a priority. Lesley Griffiths responded in saying that no decision had yet been made regarding the hospital and that a statement would not be appropriate. Commenting, Gareth said:
''This issue has been going on ten years, residents are still waiting for the Welsh Government and Betsi Cadwaladr to deliver, and it is a shame that the Welsh Government are yet to make a decision on pushing for the construction of this much needed hospital for the people of Rhyl, Prestatyn and surrounding areas.”
“This together with a lack of commitment from Denbighshire County Council to help relieve pressure from Glan Clwyd Hospital, it makes you wonder whether anyone in authority both locally in Denbighshire Council or in Cardiff Bay actually care about the health and welfare of local people. Despite the lack of ambition from the Council and Welsh Government, I will continue to stand up for the best interests of our area.”
