RESIDENTS have hit out at health chiefs over the closure of Minor Injuries Units (MIU) in Pontypool, Chepstow and Monmouth, saying they ignored the fight against the closure.

The Aneurin Bevan Health Board announced in October that minor injuries facilities at Pontypool’s County Hospital, Monnow Vale in Monmouth and Chepstow Hospital will close following a review last year, which revealed concerns about access, staffing and whether there was sufficient demand to enable staff to maintain the required skill levels.

A petition with more than 2,500 signatures fromTorfaen residents is expected to be presented to the health board in the coming weeks.

Paul Murphy Torfaen MP who called for a halt on the closure said: “I remain concerned that there are questions that need to be addressed about how the services provided by the MIU will be taken up by GPs and the units at Nevill Hall and the Royal Gwent.”

Pontypool resident Bob Jeremiah said: “This is a sad day for democracy. I have signed the petition and also helped get many other signatures.

But it seems we are being ignored.”

Caldicot Cllr Dave Evans said: “They didn’t even bother to consult with anyone from Severnside. They didn’t arrange a meeting with us.

“The closure is going to really affect frontline staff and put even more pressure on the Royal Gwent and Nevill Hall when they can barely cope now.”

Aneurin Bevan Health Board nursing director Denise Llewellyn said: “Concerns have been mainly about whether hospitals are going to close, and I would assure patients this is not about that, but just about minor injuries services.

“We need to get the message out there about alternatives. I understand why some people feel they are losing services, but we are trying to explain that we are transferring them.”

Patients will be expected to use minor injuries facilities at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, and Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny.