Former mayor says health centre should be used to treat virus patients

A former county councillor and town mayor says empty parts of Llangollen Health Centre (pictured) should be used for treating coronavirus patients.

Stuart Davies makes his suggestion in an open letter to the local Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Welsh Ministers - with a copy to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

He says: "You are in charge of the Betsi and the Welsh NHS. We need you to take action now. 

"I watched the Andrew Marr show where the national government is talking about utilising private hospital and hotel rooms to treat Corona virus patients.

"We have here in Llangollen a brand new medical centre, the Welsh Government closed our cottage hospital to build it. 

"They promised us a minor injury unit, an in-house dental centre, resident social services etc etc. None of these have happened. 

"Despite the excellent work of the staff there on behalf of the community, my view is that the centre is vastly under utilised, loads of other members of the public share that view. I have consistently asked for beds to be provided in it.

"If we are going to be short of beds, then why don't they put some beds in some of those rooms that were supposed to be for dentists, MIUs and Social Services?

"I understand that the top floor is under-utilised. 

"I am calling on this Welsh Government to do the right thing, get their backsides in to gear and provide extra beds NOW here in Llangollen before it is too late."

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Health Minister announced a range of measures to prioritise NHS Wales resources on Friday. We will be announcing further measures to help and protect people.”