Monmouthshire County Council asked for view on minor injury unit proposals

Monmouthshire County Council has been asked for its formal view on proposals to remove overnight minor injury services at an Abergavenny hospital.

David Davies MP has written to Labour leader councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby to find out what the council’s stance is and whether she would be engaging with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board during the consultation period.

Plans have been announced to downgrade the nurse-led minor injury unit at Nevill Hall Hospital from a seven days per week 24-hour service.

Instead, health board bosses want to reduce the opening times to 18 hours every day – closing between 1:00am and 7:00am.

With the nearest minor injury unit at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan in Ebbw Vale only open from 9:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), residents in north Monmouthshire and south Powys will be forced to travel to Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital for treatment after 1:00am.

In his letter to Cllr Brocklesby, Monmouth MP Mr Davies said: “A large number of residents have voiced concerns about the recent decision by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to shut the minor injury unit at Nevill Hall Hospital overnight.

“People are understandably worried about what happens after 1:00am and travelling the long distance to Newport with injuries. The journey alone is prohibitive for some as not everyone has access to a car and public transport at that time of night is virtually non-existent.

“I would be grateful if you could let me know whether Monmouthshire County Council is willing to take a view on this matter and give a response to the consultation.”

The health board has extended its original eight-week public engagement period for another four weeks until 5:00pm on Friday 1 December 2023. Mr Davies is encouraging residents to make their views known by completing the online feedback survey at https://bit.ly/45U1CAS and signing a petition at https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245573