Why has ward been closed for seven years?
HEALTH chiefs have been asked to clarify the future of a hospital ward which has been shut for the past seven years.
The 15-bed Glasmor ward at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, Holyhead was closed to patients in 2008, leaving only the Cybi and Fali wards open.
The decision to shut the ward and move patients to Llangefni, leaving just 42 beds at the hospital, was made by the former Anglesey Local Health Board when Ysbyty Cefni became specialised in treating the elderly with memory problems.
An Anglesey councillor is now demanding answers over the future of the ward amid claims staff at nearby Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor are struggling to find beds for patients.
The health board says they are keen to bring the ward back into use after spending around £25,000 on upgrading it last winter.
Holyhead councillor Jeff Evans said: “I’m very concerned that such a large ward in a £7.5m hospital has been closed for so long.
Cllr Jeff Evans
“Surely, with all the problems we hear about bed blocking at Ysbyty Gwynedd, it’s almost criminal that the ward is not being utilised for the care of local patients who need it.
“People from this corner of Anglesey would much prefer to be closer to home, as would their friends and relatives I’m sure.
“Having what could easily be a proper working ward used to store hospital equipment is a disgrace.
“I don’t blame the staff whatsoever, who do a sterling job. But the health board must step up and tell us what happens now, as seven years is a ridiculously long time to remain dormant.”
A spokeswoman for the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board confirmed that there were plans in place to reopen the ward.
She said: “Glasmor has had some upgrading work (general maintenance) since the EMI ward was closed.
“We are currently undertaking a feasibility study to ascertain whether the ward could be used for other purposes, for instance a satellite IV assessment unit similar to that in Llandudno Hospital. This would mean that patients would not have to travel to Llandudno and would receive their treatment closer to home.”
“It’s criminal the ward is not being utilised”