The Acute Stroke Unit at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, I am devastated by the recent announcement of its closure. The meticulous team built over many years is now at risk of being dispersed by this reckless decision. The proposed shift of services to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital is not only an inconvenience to our team of over 40 personnel but it also escalates the danger to the very people we're here to help - stroke victims.

Stroke care demands quick and adequate response. The principle we work by is FAST - Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time is critical. It is alarming to think how the additional distance and time will bear heavily on the effectiveness of our care for patients.

It's not just our immediate team that will be affected, but also the close-knit community we have pledged our services to. With each passing minute following a stroke, up to 2 million brain cells can die, increasing subtle disability and damaging quality of life (American Stroke Association). How can anyone justify extending the time that it takes for a patient to receive critical care?

The closure will not only devastate patient care but the impact on families will also be unthinkable, adding to their distress of managing this life-altering condition.

I urge everyone involved to consider the damaging effect of this decision on patients, staff, and the community at large. Dismantling an efficient service on a whim is not only callous but a potential risk to saving lives as efficiently as we currently can. Therefore, I earnestly implore that this decision to close the Acute Stroke Unit at Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil be reconsidered and eventually reversed.

I call upon you to stand with us on this issue and sign this petition. It's your support and your voice that can help ensure our patients receive the fast and effective care they need and save lives.