BREAST cancer surgery at Llandudno Hospital will cease at the end of the month.
Health bosses have said other services in the unit will stay open and said surgery will stop due to a lack of cover after national changes brought in over the working hours of junior doctors.
Campaigners have been left furious with the decision by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board made three years after promises the unit would be developed into a centre of excellence.
Vice chairman of Llandudno Hospital Action Group, Cllr Carol Marubi, said: "I am very, very upset and disappointed over this decision.
"We will do everything we can to keep it open - watch this space.
"They have got people to promote the NHS, why can't they get doctors? This is a management problem."
Cllr Marubi said assurances the surgery services would remain were given by then Health Minister Edwina Heart and were backed up by the Frank Burn's report.
The pharmacy will stay open and improvements to the arrangements for the supply of medicines to the hospital will be made which are designed to free up pharmacy staff to support outpatient and day cases.
A spokesman for the health board said: "The forthcoming national changes in the arrangements for junior doctors training will affect the resident overnight medical staff cover at Llandudno Hospital.
"Overnight cover for medical patients will instead be provided by the North Wales GP Out of Hours Service.
"However this will restrict our ability to provide safe cover for patients immediately after surgery, and as a result the small number of patients who require breast surgery will have their operations at Ysbyty Gwynedd or Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
"Other breast services at Llandudno Hospital, including clinics, diagnostic tests and Breast Test Wales will not be affected.
"The Health Board is continuing to work to ensure that we have suitable alternative arrangements in place for patients affected.
"It is expected that these new arrangements will be implemented from February 1."
Llandudno Community Hospital has been designated a 'hub' under changes to health care in the region.
The hospital will offer a minor injury unit seven days a week, 8am-8pm, as well as a seven-day x-ray service.