Bid to stop cut in hours at hospital
A NEW battle is being planned in an attempt to block proposals to cut back opening times at a Swansea hospital's minor injury unit.
Two years ago 2,300 people campaigned against the replacement of the minor casualty unit at Singleton Hospital with a GP-led service.
Now Swansea councillor Peter May is rallying support for a petition against the proposed switch of the GP out-of-hours service from Singleton to Morriston Hospital.
The hospital would retain its minor injuries unit, but only between the hours of 8am and 8pm.
Bosses at Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board want the changes to come into effect by October 1.
Uplands councillor Mr May said he believed it was vital to have a full-scale consultation over the issue.
He said: "I am resurrecting the petition as health bosses are playing fast and loose with the patients using the service. Last time we collected around 2,300 signatures."
Mr May said he believed Singleton was easier than Morriston to access, especially when harsh wintry weather caused chaos for patients travelling to hospital from across the region.
"I'm worried about the plans, particularly given the bad weather at the start of the year — Morriston isn't accessible at the best of times," he added.
"At times like that you are going to put pressure on that service. We heard of queues of ambulances outside Morriston, putting even more pressure on that hospital."
Mr May said he would be distributing the petition to shops and post offices in Swansea West.
A meeting of the Swansea locality branch of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Community Health Council will take place on September 7, at the Scout Hall in Bryn Road, Brynmill, where the issue will come under debate.
An ABM University Health Board spokeswoman said doctors believed there were sound clinical reasons to move the service.
She added: "We will very shortly be carrying out a detailed public engagement exercise over Changing for the Better to gather feedback on all our plans."
Anyone who wants a copy of the petition can email Peter May at peter@petermay.org
elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk
3 Comments
by mdouglas1, swansea
Thursday, August 19 2010, 2:58AM
“123”
by Anon, Swansea
Wednesday, August 18 2010, 10:50AM
“Good glad a petition is underway. GP out of hours should stay in Singleton. As it is A and E is in Morriston, why should everything be that side of Swansea?? Perhaps A and E should come to Singleton hospital instead if GP co-op does get moved.”
by Mike, Swansea
Wednesday, August 18 2010, 8:40AM
“Here we go. Another Lib Dem politician who allowed childrens social services in Swansea Council to fall apart is now jumping on the heath service bandwagon. These people are publicity-seeking hypocrites.They should put their own house in order.”