SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Fflint Wrecsam, is urging people to help shape the future of Penley Hospital.
Betsi Cadwalladr University Health Board temporarily closed the inpatient beds in December 2024 due to concerns around the sustainability of the care model and ongoing staffing challenges.
Since then they have undertaken a review of services and considered some future options for service at Penley. Now they are holding a consultation on their preferred three options.
Mr Rowlands said: “It was very sad when the hospital closed and I was disappointed when the health board decided that keeping the hospital for inpatients was not going to be an option.
“Quite clearly there is a great need for our community hospitals as we have ambulances queueing up outside A&E departments and people waiting hours for treatment and admission and yet here we have an existing facility which could and should be fully utilised.
“However, BCUHB decided it was not a viable option and are now once again seeking the views of my constituents.
“When I was campaigning in the Penley area during the election campaign it became clear to me that it is absolutely vital that the health board understands the depth of feeling in the community for this much loved and needed facility.
“I would urge people who live and work in and around Penley to make sure they have their say on this extremely important issue and take advantage of the drop in sessions for more information.”
People across Penley and the surrounding area are being invited to have their say on the future of services at Penley Hospital as Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board launch a 12-week public consultation.
The consultation, which runs until October 7, 2026, seeks views on three potential options for the future use of the hospital.
No decision has been made, and feedback received during the consultation will help the Health Board decide which option should be taken forward.
The options have been developed following several months of engagement with patients, staff, local residents, partner organisations and community representatives, during which a wider range of ideas was explored before these three options were identified for public consultation.
The consultation documents explain each option, the reasons why change is being considered and the potential benefits and challenges associated with each.
Throughout the consultation, people will be able to share their views online, by post, by email or at a series of public drop-in events.
Consultation documents are available online and in the local area. Printed copies can also be requested.
Members of the public are invited to attend one of the following drop-in events at Overton Village Hall:
- Tuesday, July 21, 10am–2.30pm
- Thursday, September 10, 10am–2.30pm
- Tuesday, September 15, 2pm–7pm
The consultation closes at midnight on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit: Shaping the Future of Penley Hospital.
