A ROW has broken out over what Arfon politicians say is a U-turn on a decision to keep emergency vascular and lower limb salvage services in Bangor.

MP Hywel Williams and AM Sian Gwenllian say a hospital health board has “reneged” on a promise to keep the service at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

In a statement the Plaid Cymru pair accuse Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the Welsh Labour Government of a “politically driven” and reckless decision,” amid fears that a new planned centralised service at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd will close Bangor and Wrexham’s provision.

Siân Gwenllian said: “I’m furious. BCUHB has pulled a fast one. We are back to square one and the vascular service is to be downgraded. Patients in North West Wales will have a poorer service.”

Hywel Williams said: “Closing the world-class unit in Ysbyty Gwynedd would be disastrous, not only for local people, but for the whole of North Wales.Due to the Cardiff Government’s failings, patients are already having to travel further afield, even moving to England”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We do not play politics with people’s lives. Decisions about the health service are made on patient safety and in accordance with best practice not to win votes. Vascular surgery will still be available at Ysbyty Gwynedd for routine surgery. Complex, emergency surgery will be treated at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. It is no secret, the decision was made over a year ago.”

BCUHB said: “We are committed to implementing a modern vascular network inline with guidelines from the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The decision has support of the Wales Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme, Royal College of Surgeons, Community Health Council and North Wales GPs. At present emergency arterial vascular surgery is spread too thinly, neither Bangor or Wrexham offer a 24-hour a day service. The specialist centre will offer the highest quality care. Ysbyty Glan Clwyd will handle around 300 complex cases per year, about 20pecent of cases whilst 80 percent will stay at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor.”