VALE MP Alun Cairns says he has received assurance that Barry's out-of hours hospital service will be retained.

Mr Cairns met with the chief executive of Cardiff and Vale Health Board to highlight his concerns about the lack GP of out of hours cover in Barry. 

Mr Cairns revealed recently that the service was only open for 41 per cent of the time between November and February, forcing Vale and Barry residents to drive to Cardiff to see a GP. 

A number of constituents contacted Mr Cairns and when he researched the matter, he discovered that the Out of Hours Service at Barry Hospital was closed more than it was open. 

Mr Cairns expressed concern that Barry and Vale residents weren’t receiving the same priority as Cardiff patients. 

Mr Cairns said of the meeting: “The most important thing coming from today’s meeting was the assurance that the out-of-hours service in Barry will be retained and that they will look at how best to ensure cover.   

“I am pleased that they listened to my concerns and that the board are taking steps to address the level of out-of-hours cover in Barry. 

"I highlighted that it seems that Barry is the first place to see cuts in service, when they have a GP shortage. They have agreed to look again at this.  

“The lack of provision in Barry means that patients have to travel to Cardiff during the early hours of the morning, if they need to see a GP.  Many will be elderly or vulnerable, particularly when they are ill.

"This is not equal treatment and I am determined to see changes."