CONCERNS have been raised after it was revealed that Barry hospital's out of hours service is closed more often than it is open.

Data seen by the office of Alun Cairns MP shows that of 100 days the service was supposed to be open between November and February, it was only open for 59.

Responding to complaints from constituents Vale MP Alun Cairns has called for action from the health board saying the opening times are "simply not good enough".

Mr Cairns has called on Cardiff and Vale health board's chief executive to provide clarity on the situation after the service was confirmed to be available only 41 per cent of the time.

Mr Cairns said several constituents contacted him after visiting the hospital only to find the doors locked.

He said this left many residents with a lengthy journey to Cardiff for out of hours treatment.

Mr Cairns said: “The situation at Barry Hospital is very concerning and I am deeply frustrated that Barry residents are left facing locked doors for more time that they are open.

"I have written to the chief executive of Cardiff and Vale Health Board for urgent assurances that the apparent lack of service in Barry will be rectified as a matter of utmost urgency.

“It is simply not good enough for the residents of Barry and the surrounding area to have an out of hours service that is only open occasionally - it seems obvious that all the decision makers are living in Cardiff and prioritising Cardiff over the Vale yet again.

"I will be seeking an urgent meeting to understand what processes can be changed to ensure that Barry is quite properly served for residents at times when they need medical attention.”

A Cardiff and Vale University Health Board spokeswoman said: “Our Urgent Primary Care service (OOH) is not a drop-in centre and is there for patients who are unwell and cannot wait until their GP practice reopens.

“Patients who require urgent care should phone the urgent primary care service, where they will be triaged by our multi-disciplinary team including GPs, murses and paramedics.

“Following a clinical assessment the patient will either be offered an appointment at one of our primary care sites where clinically appropriate, or alternatively they will be offered advice or signposted to a more appropriate service such as a community pharmacy.

“In non-urgent cases, we would ask patients to choose the service most appropriate for their needs, including community pharmacies, opticians and the NHS Direct symptom checker which can be accessed online.”

“Our chief executive will be meeting with MP Alun Cairns in May to discuss the concerns raised by his constituents.”