Ynys Môn AM Rhun ap Iorwerth says the people of Anglesey should make it very clear that to downgrade maternity services at Ysbyty Gwynedd is not acceptable.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is currently consulting on proposals that could see the service downgraded to a midwife-led service with specialist Doctors moved to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: “The excellent team of midwives, nurses and doctors at Ysbyty Gwynedd provide the people of Anglesey with a vital maternity service. To suggest downgrading the services is simply not acceptable.”

Around 2500 babies are born at Ysbyty Gwynedd each year. Downgrading the service would inevitably mean many more mothers would have to travel to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to give birth or receive other care.

The Plaid Cymru AM added: “I have spoken with senior health professionals at Ysbyty Gwynedd who warn that to take away our specialist obstetrics capacity will inevitably lead to the erosion of Ysbyty Gwynedd’s general emergency medicine capabilities.

“I ask averyone to make their views heard, either through the Health Board’s website www.wales.nhs.uk/NWMaternity, or by attending public meetings in Holyhead or Bangor within the next few weeks.”

Public meeting will be held in Holyhead Town Hall at 1:00pm and 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 15th; and at Bangor Football Club at 1:00pm and 5:30pm on Monday 28th.