CRITICS have slammed “meaningless” plans for a new primary care facility in Blaenau Ffestiniog­.

Last week, health and social services minister Mark Drakeford announced plans for a new £3.9m community health care centre, but local­ campaigners are furious that their opinions have not been considered.

In fact, the chair of Ffestiniog Memorial Hospital Defence Committee, which is fighting for the re-establishment of inpatient beds in the town, considered the Government’s response as “pathetic”.

“Mark Drakeford’s press release of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s business case for healthcare in Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Welsh Uplands was perfectly timed to coincide with the Assembly’s Christmas recess – a typical and pathetic ministerial ploy to avoid being cross-examined on its content by his colleagues in the Senedd,” said chair Geraint Vaughan Jones.

“However, his statement contained nothing new, it being yet another regurgitation of the business case that was presented to him by Betsi Cadwaladr two years ago and one that the Ffestiniog Memorial Hospital Defence Committee has continually opposed because of its lack of any meaningful content.

“It is also a fact that the minister has failed to respond to questions regarding the Betsi business case posed by the Petitions Committee in Cardiff and one has to wonder why.”

He continued: “Also disappointing, though hardly surprising or unexpected, was AM Dafydd Elis-Thomas’ continued support for BCUHB’s business case.

“It can be argued however that, as president of that university, he has a vested interest in seeing the health board’s plans being pushed through.

“If that be the case, then the interests of his electorate are certainly not top of his list of priorities.”

Similarly, Liz Saville Roberts MP has urged Mr Drakeford to speak to concerned Blaenau Ffestiniog residents before finalising any details­.

“I’m very aware that feelings are still running high about the loss of the beds and other services at Memorial Hospital in the town,” she said.

“I would urge the Health Minister, Mark Drakeford, to respond to local people’s calls for a meeting to discuss how these investments can be enhanced and the possibility of bringing hospital beds back to the third largest town in the Gwynedd.

“We’re coming to the time of year when there are concerns about lack of beds at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

“It needs to be recognised that recuperation at home simply isn’t suitable for everyone.”

“The people of Blaenau have waited far too long for confirmation from the Welsh Labour Government about the future direction of community healthcare in Blaenau Ffestiniog,” Mrs Roberts added.

“This investment is to be welcomed, but should have been confirmed months ago.”

Lord Elis-Thomas dismissed the claims he did not have his constiuents’ interests at heart.

“As chancellor and chair of Bangor University I am not involved in health service management,” he told the Cambrian News.

“As AM, I will continue to work for integrated health and social care for all constituents in Dwyfor Meirionnydd.

“I look forward to the new primary care centre in Blaenau Ffestiniog opening in 2016.”