Former mayor petitions for injuries unit at health centre

 

* Llangollen Health Centre, where the petition calls for a minor injuries unit.

A former Llangollen mayor and county councillor has started a petition calling for the Welsh Government and the local health board to fully fund a minor injuries unit for the town's health centre.

Stuart Davies says the Wrexham Maelor A&E unit is "overwhelmed" with waiting times of over 12 hours and believes outlying minor injuries units (MIUs) would help alleviate pressures on the system.

He adds: "I have started the petition because of anecdotal stories about the wait in A&E in Wrexham and my personal experience.

"About a month ago I had 12 hours waiting and watching the triage system at the entrance to A&E winnowing out the non-accident and emergency cases.

"People get minor injuries like I did quite a few years ago when I cut myself badly with an axe chopping kindling. 

"At the time Chirk was doing MIU. I went there at about 8pm, was seen promptly, cleaned up, then the flap of skin was glued up and dressed. 

"Another time, when the surgery in Llangollen was in Regent Street, I went there after I gashed my head. It was a similar thing with their MIU nurse, done and dusted in a timely and staff-efficient way."

Mr Davies went on: "When the planning was going on with the Betsi for Llangollen Health Centre they promised an MIU here.

"A proper MIU with an X-ray machine in Llangollen, triaging at its best, in the community, would take the strain off the Maelor, easy parking as well. Cuts and bruises done in the community it serves. Most importantly, fully funded by the Senedd."

Tehmeena Ajmal, chief operating officer at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "We recognise the significant pressure being seen across emergency and urgent care services in North Wales.

"Our teams are working extremely hard to ensure people receive safe and timely care, and we continue to urge the public to use the right service for their needs — whether that’s through their GP practice, community pharmacy, or our Minor Injuries Units.

"In relation to calls for a Minor Injuries Unit in Llangollen, we understand the desire for more local provision."

* Click this link to see your petition:

https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246805