FEARS for the future of Denbigh Infirmary were raised at a public meeting.

More than 100 people attended the meeting held to discuss health concerns in the town and throughout Denbighshire last Thursday.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board announced earlier this year it was temporarily closing 10 beds at Denbigh Infirmary following concerns about fire safety. The Board was due to publish a report on actions it intended to take this month, but the publication has been delayed.

Local councillor Rhys Thomas said: “This closure has created uncertainty among staff, which could undermine the future of the infirmary.”

Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Community hospitals are a crucial part of our health services and must be retained and developed if we are to serve the people of North Wales.

“We have fewer GPs in Wales today than at any point over the last 10 years. We’re also seeing huge pressures on our district general hospitals with far too many people staying in them because of a lack of community beds and services. We can’t afford to lose any more community beds.

Cllr Elfed Williams, of Llanrhaeadr, said: “It’s clear that we need to keep the current number of community beds which serves the people of these communities well. The number of people who attended our meeting is testament to the support there is for our community hospitals.

“The Health Board closed four community hospitals some years ago, which has proved to be a disastrous policy. We can’t afford to lose any more of these beds.”