VITAL services for pregnant women could be axed at Glan Clwyd Hospital as part of a major shake-up.
The Journal has learned that employees at the hospital are worried for the future of services, such as caesarean section deliveries, scans and post birth care, with people being transferred to either Wrexham Maelor or Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.
A member of staff, who does not want to be named, said talk that services were being scrapped had been “confirmed by more than one person”, with difficulties in recruiting obstetricians being provided as a reason.
Another caller said his wife, a nurse, had been told along with doctors, that Glan Clwyd’s maternity unit was to close.
A review of maternity services across North Wales has sparked fears for jobs and services.
The review, which may mean major changes to maternity and neonatology services across North Wales, is taking place within the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board trust.
A spokeswoman for health board said no recommendations or decisions had been made on the future of maternity service.
However, the Journal has been alerted to rumours suggesting Glan Clwyd hospital is planning to send all expectant mothers needing a caesarean delivery to either Bangor or Wrexham.
The Betsi Cadwaladr spokeswoman said that the rumours could be neither confirmed or denied, as the review was still going on and no conclusions had been reached.
The spokeswoman said: “So far, a project board led by a consultant obstetrician and consultant paediatrician has been set up and the initial work is looking at evidence of adherence to the national standards set by the Welsh Assembly and by relevant Royal Colleges.
“Every such review generates a huge amount of speculation. However, no member of staff is in a position to claim that decisions have already been made.”
Two stakeholder events have been arranged in September and October with a report by the end of the year.
The spokeswoman added: “Following this, the project board will draw up options for the future configuration of the service with emphasis on safety, quality and sustainability.
“The aim is to ensure that the services in North Wales are amongst the best in Wales.”
Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane said he would get in touch with Betsi Cadwaladr to clarify the issue.