People encouraged to have their say on the future of a North Wales hospital

Monday, 7 July 2025 17:45

People are being encouraged to help save the community hospital in Penley.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling on local residents to take part in a consultation about the future of the hospital.

Betsi Cadwalladr University Health Board temporarily closed the inpatient beds in December 2024 due to concerns around the sustainability of the care model and ongoing staffing challenges and are now reviewing options.

Mr Rowlands said:

“It was a great shock when the hospital closed last December and I am urging people who live and work in and around Penley to make sure they have their say on this extremely important issue.

“It is absolutely vital that the health board understands the depth of feeling in the community for this much loved and needed facility.

“It seems amazing to me that a consultation is even necessary as quite clearly there is a great need for our community hospitals as we have ambulances queueing up outside A&E departments and people waiting hours for treatment and admission and here we have an existing facility which could and should be fully utilised.

“I urge local people to take part in the consultation and help to save the future of their community hospital.”

Historically, Penley has provided step-down care for patients who no longer need acute hospital treatment but still require support before returning home or moving to another setting.

BCUHB say the number of patients suitable for this type of care has been limited, and ongoing difficulties with recruitment and reliance on temporary staff have made it increasingly difficult to deliver safe and sustainable care.

The Health Board is now starting a formal service review and options appraisal to consider what’s possible for the future of services in Penley. This includes revisiting whether the ward could reopen, alongside exploring other safe, high-quality alternatives that meet the needs of the local community.

For more information and to take part in the survey go to:

Shaping the Future of Penley Hospital - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board