THE shake-up in neurosurgery has divided opinion between senior health staff and regional politicians.

Chairman of the Mid and South Wales Neurosciences Implementation Programme Board, Dr Alan Axford, said: "I am confident that the recommendations in our report represent the best way forward to strengthen and improve neurosciences in the region. Developing the service in this way will offer many benefits to a large number of patients, improving safety, patient outcome and ensuring we have a sustainable service in the future."

Morriston Hospital-based consultant neurosurgeon John Martin said: "We look forward to working together with our Cardiff colleagues to develop safer and even higher quality services for our patients."

However, AMs have not welcomed the news.

Tory Alun Cairns has criticised the decision to transfer all serious cases to Cardiff.

"Promises were made prior to the last Assembly elections by Labour politicians that Morriston would be retained because of its excellence. This decision is a disappointment to all those who fought to keep neurosurgery in Swansea."

Peter Black, Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Health Minister said: "The health minister made a promise to retain emergency neurosurgery at both Morriston Hospital and University Hospital of Wales. She has now reneged on the promise she made."