A VITAL hospital service is set to close in the New year.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board plans to temporarily close the minor injuries unit at Flint Community Hospital and divert staff to Holywell Hospital where a further six beds will be opened.
The closure is expected to be temporary in a bid to release staff at Flint to help the service cope with the busy winter period.
Flint councillor Alex Aldridge says he is very concerned about the plan.
He said: “I’m disappointed Betsi Cadwaladr has had to resort to an action which results in the closure of the minor injuries unit here in Flint.
“Obviously it’s not isolated and they are trying to reconcile issues on the provision of health right across North Wales, but it will still come as a sense of concern.
“To that end we will be seeking urgent talks with our AM Sandy Mewies to ask her to contact the minister responsible for health – Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths – to ensure this is only a temporary action because of staff shortages over the critical period and Flint will once again see a full return of the minor injuries unit.”
Flint Castle councillor Ian Roberts said he was bitterly disappointed. “When the closure occurred in June we were given assurances by Betsi Cadwaladr there would be a consultation and people would be informed if any further closures were to happen,” he said.
“I believe the closure is to do with numbers, but when a service becomes intermittent it’s no wonder people stop using it.
“We need Sandy Mewies to make urgent representations to the health minister on behalf of Flint Community Hospital."
A spokesman for Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board said details about the changes would be released today.