Reacting to the news that Llandudno Hospital theatres are to remain closed for a further 5 weeks as repair works to a ventilation fault are undertaken, Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:

 “I am sincerely disappointed that the operating theatres at Llandudno Hospital are to remain closed for at least another five weeks.

 “Whilst I understand that there is a need to repair the ventilation fault which initially led to the closure of these theatres, this occurred towards the end of August, and we are now into October – already almost two months down.

“Adding a further five or more weeks onto the waiting times of those anxious to received treatment is simply unacceptable.

 “I have requested that the Minister and the Health Board investigate, as a matter of urgency, how this closure time can be reduced. I understand that the work to repair this ventilation fault has now commenced, and it must be an absolute priority that it is completed properly and in a timely manner.

 “I also have concerns that these delays may lead to uncertainty and insecurity amongst the hardworking staff, on whom many rely for treatment and care, and have called on the Minister and Health Board to ensure that they are working with staff on this matter.

 “For those on waiting lists for treatments – already far too long under the Welsh Labour Government – additional delays has the potential to have a huge impact on their quality of life, and it is these patients who simply must be prioritised here.”