What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board regarding the impact on pregnant women of the board's recent decision to temporarily close the maternity ward in Bridgend as well as the the decision to scale back maternity services in Royal Glamorgan Hospital?
The temporary closure of Princess of Wales Hospital’s maternity and neonatal services is to undertake urgent and essential improvement works.
Before the 12-week temporary closure, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board undertook extensive service user engagement to ensure clarity about the changes. Mothers due to give birth during this period have been notified and given a choice of place of birth, including Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil; Tirion Birth Centre (Royal Glamorgan Hospital); University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff; Singleton Hospital, Swansea, or at home.
My officials continue to support collaboration and facilitate discussions between the health boards, which are supporting the temporary closure at the Princess of Wales Hospital.