Senedd debates petition to save hospital's 'essential' stroke unit

POLITICIANS have debated calls to safeguard full stroke services at Bronglais Hospital after more than 17,000 signed one of the biggest petitions in the Senedd's history.

- CHRIS HAINES

Campaigners urged the Senedd and Welsh Government to intervene immediately to protect the stroke unit amid plans to downgrade the service to a “treat-and-transfer” model.

Under consultation proposals, stroke patients presenting at the Aberystwyth hospital could be transferred to the Prince Philip in Llanelli or Withybush in Haverfordwest.

Labour's Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the Senedd’s petitions committee, said only a handful of petitions - including calls to scrap 20mph limits - have collected more signatures.

The petition, submitted by Bryony Davies from the Protect Bronglais Services campaign, warned patients face risky long-distance transfers taking two hours if services are cut.

Leading the debate, Ms Thomas explained the Hywel Dda health board is expected to make a decision this autumn following a consultation between May and August.

She said Bronglais scored relatively well in a UK-wide assessment of stroke care services, with a ‘B’ alongside Withybush, whereas Prince Philip and Glangwili received a ‘C’.

The petitioners expressed concern about the potential implications for end-of-life care, warning that stroke patients could die far away from their families.