HEALTHCARE workers from Barry Hospital will today (Wednesday, October 9) hand over a petition in the Senedd signed by 12,991 people calling for the award-winning Sam Davies ward to remain open.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board wants to close the acute rehabilitation ward and Unison Cymru Wales has accused it of a complete failure to properly engage with staff and the local community about its plans.
The presentation of the petition follows Unison's march and rally from Barry Hospital to King Square on Saturday, October 5.
The trade union said healthcare workers were energised by the support they received on the march from patients’ families and members of the public and this has reinforced their determined to do everything they can to save the Sam Davies ward.
Unison Cardiff and Vale health branch chairman, Stuart Egan said: "The health board must listen to Barry healthcare workers and to the 13,000 people in the local community who have signed the petition.
"This is a tremendously powerful message from Barry residents.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign.
"Let’s keep health services for those who have had strokes and respite care for dementia patients in Barry.
"We can keep this ward open.”
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