The Party of Wales Arfon Standing up for the people of Arfon

Fears for the future of Bangor's world leading vascular service raised at PMQs

Concerns about the future of the world-leading emergency and inpatient vascular service at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor and the spiralling effect downgrading the service could have on other health provisions at the hospital was today raised at Prime Minister’s Questions by Plaid Cymru Arfon MP Hywel Williams.

Speculation has been rife about the future of the renowned vascular unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd ever since Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board approved plans for a new £2.76 million operating theatre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, as the health board moves to centralise vascular services across north Wales.

Hywel Williams MP said,

‘Ysbyty Gwynedd in my constituency provides vital vascular services to the local community, with an international reputation for the excellence of its results.’

‘Does the Prime Minister share my concern that, due to the Cardiff Government's failings on health, patients are having to travel further afield, even moving to England, just to access proven treatment?’

Hywel Williams MP added,

‘The vascular team in Bangor is well-established and recognised as the best in Wales for fistula work and treatment of kidney dialysis patients and amongst the best in the world for preventing leg amputations, particularly relevant to those with diabetes.'

'Any attempt at removing services from Ysbyty Gwynedd would put the lives of those who live in more isolated communities and difficult geographical locations in unnecessary jeopardy.’

‘Even the Vascular Society (the advisors who have recommended centralising services) has acknowledged that rural areas such as north Wales may need a different approach due to the long distances patients and staff would need to travel'.

‘We must retain the status of Ysbyty Gwynedd and resist any attempts to move our core services eastwards.’