A letter from the Leader: Concerns Regarding Proposed Changes to Specialist Palliative Care Provision in Merthyr Tydfil

Dear Chair and Chief Executive,

Re: Concerns Regarding Proposed Changes to Specialist Palliative Care Provision in Merthyr and Cynon

Further to our discussions earlier, and on behalf of councillors from across the political spectrum at Merthyr Tydfil CBC who have received concerns from residents, I write to express serious apprehension regarding the ongoing engagement on Specialist Palliative Care (SPC) services within Cwm Taf Morgannwg, particularly the proposal affecting Ward 6 at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon.

We believe there are substantial risks associated with the removal of local SPC inpatient provision and strongly urge the Health Board to reconsider.

1. Impact on Local Access to Care The proposal to centralise specialist inpatient care to the Royal Glamorgan and Princess of Wales Hospitals would leave the Merthyr and Cynon Valleys without local specialist palliative care beds. Patients and families would face increased travel at a time when proximity, continuity, and emotional support are essential.

2. Loss of a High-Quality, Trusted Service Ward 6 is widely recognised for delivering compassionate, skilled end-of-life care. It has long been valued by patients, families, and the wider community as a model of person-centred specialist support.

3. Increased Burden on Families and Carers While home-based care is important, it cannot replace inpatient specialist provision for individuals with complex or unstable symptoms. Removing the ward risks placing undue pressure on families who may lack the capacity or resources to provide intensive care at home.

4. Concerns Over Staffing-Driven Decision-Making Reports indicate that changes may be driven by staffing challenges rather than clinical need, as specialist provision at Ward 6 has been paused due to medical workforce shortages. Such operational issues must be addressed, not used to justify withdrawing essential local services.

5. Strong Community Opposition More than 3,000 residents have supported petitions calling for specialist palliative care to be retained locally, demonstrating clear public concern and a strong mandate for preserving Ward 6.

Considering these concerns, we request the Health Board:

• Reconsider any proposal that permanently removes specialist palliative care beds from Ysbyty Cwm Cynon.
• Prioritise recruitment and retention to restore consultant-led SPC locally.
• Ensure community-based expansion complements, rather than replaces, inpatient services.

The people of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas, deserve fair, compassionate, and accessible end-of-life care.

Retaining specialist provision locally is essential to ensuring dignity and support for our most vulnerable residents.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Brent Carter Leader,
Merthyr Tydfil CBC