Reacting to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists review of maternity services in North Wales, the Assembly Member for Aberconwy and Shadow Spokesperson for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:
“It is vitally important that the views of residents and NHS staff are listened to throughout, as well as an active engagement with other areas of the health service – such as the Welsh Ambulance Trust. The report notes that any change which results in an increased in the number of urgent transfers will require the Health Board to work with the ambulance service to ensure any cost and capacity needs are addressed.
“I note that the report recommends that an independent project group to be appointed to look into the options laid out within the review. The Welsh Conservatives have long been calling for an independent Keogh-style review into the Welsh NHS, and I think it is important that this sensitive matter is considered from an independent viewpoint.
“Patient choice, travel time and accessibility to services must be taken into account when consideration of any changes is being made. The priority, as always, must be the safety of mothers and their babies.”
ENDS