Proposals to close a 15-bed dementia ward in Chepstow should be delayed until the completion of Gwent’s new £350m super-hospital in 2021, an MP has urged.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is currently consulting on a redesign of mental health services for older adults, with plans to shut St Pierre Ward at Chepstow Community Hospital.
Patients would be treated in future at Ysbyty’r Tri Chwm in Ebbw Vale, or at St Woolos Hospital in Newport, depending on where in Monmouthshire they live.
But Monmouth MP David Davies has suggested putting a final decision on hold to explore whether there’s a chance of keeping older adult mental health services in the county.
“We know that once The Grange University Hospital opens in Llanfrechfa in spring 2021, there will be a lot more space at Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital,” said Mr Davies.
“There might be a possible compromise for Monmouthshire’s dementia assessment beds to transfer to Nevill Hall in the long-term, allowing patients to be treated there rather than either Ebbw Vale or Newport.
“For relatives and carers living in rural Monmouthshire who are dependent on public transport, moving the beds to other parts of Gwent could mean hours of travel in each direction to visit their loved one.
“Obviously, it is much better for patients from Monmouthshire to be looked after by the Monmouthshire team and to be within Monmouthshire."
He spoke out after meeting with Dr Pauline Ruth, a consultant for Monmouthshire older adult mental health services for nearly 25 years, who has publicly expressed concern about the “hugely detrimental effect” closing St Pierre Ward will have on patient care.
“I have been told that the question mark caused by the consultation over the future of Chepstow means that nursing staff are considering applying for jobs which become available elsewhere,” added Mr Davies.
“The patients being treated on St Pierre Ward are some of the most vulnerable and we should do everything possible to reduce the distress which they and their families suffer.”