The proposed closure of the West 2 respiratory ward at Llandough Hospital directly impacts not just patients, but also families. My friend’s grandmother, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been a patient here for the past few years. The specialised care and the dedicated staff have been critical in managing her condition, providing her with a quality of life that would be impossible to achieve elsewhere.

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Wales, largely due to aging demographics and increasing air pollution. The West 2 ward plays a crucial role in addressing these growing healthcare needs, offering specialised treatment and support to those with chronic respiratory ailments. Statistics from Public Health Wales indicate that around 1 in 12 adults are affected by asthma or other chronic respiratory illnesses in Wales, underlining the importance of maintaining specialised care units.

Closing this ward will force patients to seek care in already overburdened general wards, where staff may not have the necessary expertise, putting patients at greater risk and increasing the burden on other NHS facilities. This decision not only jeopardises patient care but also affects the hardworking staff who could face redeployment or job insecurity, adding stress to an already challenging job.

We urge the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to reconsider this decision. Instead of closing the West 2 ward, we call for increased investment in the facility to upgrade its equipment and expand its services to meet the growing demand for respiratory care. Additionally, we request the intervention of the Senedd members, local MPs, and trade unions to put pressure on decision-makers to pursue options that enhance, rather than diminish, our healthcare system.

Our loved ones, including my grandmother, deserve treatment in specialised environments that offer them the best chance at managing their conditions effectively. By signing this petition, you can help ensure that the West 2 respiratory ward remains operational and continues to provide the essential care our community needs. Please add your signature to save this vital healthcare service.