CONCERNS have been raised over a lack of nursing cover at a Meirionnydd hospital, which could leave patients facing a 40-mile round trip for treatment.

The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Tywyn’s hospital, which reopened a little over a year ago following a £5m refurbishment, is currently running at a reduced service as there are not enough staff to work the full rota.

Unless more staff can be recruited urgently, the MIU will remain closed at weekends.

There are four full-time nursing roles currently vacant.

Carol Williams, deputy chief officer of North Wales Community Health Council, sent out an email to local members which emphasised the scale of the problem.

“I have been advised that the MIU service at Tywyn Hospital is currently not open at weekends and this has been the case since Easter,” Mrs Williams said.

“We have been told that there should be a MIU service for seven days a week between the hours of 10am to 6pm.

“This is now only available Monday to Friday and on bank holidays.

“We have been advised that the problem is because of staff shortages and that an extensive recruitment exercise is underway. We also understand that posters are displayed at the hospital to advise of this closure.”

Patients who require medical assistance on the weekend currently have to travel to Dolgellau’s hospital, which is approximately 20 miles away.

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