SOUTH Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies has branded the confirmation of plans to reorganise NHS services in south Wales by downgrading services at the Royal Glamorgan hospital a “massive blow” to local residents.

Mr Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “This announcement is a massive blow to local residents who have fought passionately to keep services at the Royal Glamorgan. It is also further proof that Labour cannot be trusted to run the Welsh NHS.

“At the last election Carwyn Jones and his Labour colleagues explicitly promised no downgrades and now we see what their promises amount to.”

He added: “Today’s news is also a huge slap in the face for Leighton Andrews and Owen Smith who have promised much and delivered nothing.

“Ultimately this downgrade will hugely impact upon local services, placing pressure not only on those patients who will have to travel further for treatment, but on existing facilities at the UHW which are already creaking under the strain.”