Consultation a 'sham' (From Penarth Times)

Consultation a 'sham'

OPPOSITION is growing to the proposed changes to mat-ernity services at Llandough Hospital, with opponents ar-guing that vital facilities and resources will be taken away from women in Penarth.

A member of the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust Patients' Panel has cal-led the consultation process a sham.

A spokesman for the campaign group, Parents at Llandough, said: "After having reviewed the official consultation document for the "What Women Want Review", we remain convinced that it is vital to say'no' to the current proposed changes that will directly affect women in both Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

"The review lacks any substantial evidence as to the way in which the public has been involved in the consultation process that has informed the proposed changes. Secondly, it leaves readers with the false impression that services in general will improve. However, this is not the case, and vital facilities, resources and choices will be drawn away from Barry, Penarth, and the rest of the Vale.

"The review highlights the trust's focus on medical staff, equipment and resources, with little regard or mention of the possible implications and dangers that mothers, fathers, and new-born-infants in this region are about to face.

"Please get involved, have your say and visit our website: www. p-a-l.org.uk. If it is just one baby that gets harmed as a result of these changes, it is one too many."

Robin Williams, of the Cardiff and Vale NHS patients' panel, said: "If ever there was a time for the public to assert itself, it is before this sham consultation is over.

"I was disappointed to hear the Chief Executive of the Vale Local Health Board, Abigail Harries, state that "the status quo was not an option" for the maternity unit at Llandough.