THE minor injuries unit in Colwyn Bay hospital will close within seven days.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced the unit will close as services in smaller hospitals across North Wales are consolidated to larger hub hospitals throughout the region, including Llandudno and Glan Clwyd Hospital.
A health board spokesman said: “Staffing difficulties mean that we have not been able to offer a reliable service for many months, with units periodically having to close on a temporary basis.
“We want to ensure that we are able to deliver a dependable service that patients can be sure they can rely on seven days per week.
“Minor Injuries services will therefore no longer be available at Llangollen, Chirk, Flint, Ruthin, Colwyn Bay and Blaenau Ffestiniog Hospitals.”
The closure has come under fire from protest groups and community leaders in Conwy county, who say the cuts will have a major impact on healthcare in the area.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths could be asked to intervene by health watchdog, Betsi Cadwaladr Community Health Council which is reviewing the changes.
Ms Griffiths said: “The driving force behind NHS Wales service change is the need to ensure safe and sustainable services for the future, and it is vital we keep this goal in sight.
“Now the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has published its final plans, the local Community Health Council has six weeks to decide whether to make a referral to the Minister for Health and Social Services.
“National Guidance is clear: CHCs should make every effort to reach agreement with the Health Board and referrals should only be used as a last resort.
“The Minister will make a determination at the appropriate time.”