A PETITION opposing the closure of Barry Hospital’s Sam Davies ward has amassed nearly 5000 signatures in three weeks.

Vale residents have rallied in support of Unison’s petition to keep open the threatened ward.

Unison healthcare workers, in the hospital launched the petition on Tuesday, July 23 with a call for the whole town to sign up to defend the local acute rehabilitation ward for older people.

UNISON Cymru Wales regional organiser, Andrew Woodman said: “People have responded magnificently when Unison healthcare workers have asked them to support our petition.

“It is clear people cherish their local hospital services and they recognise the valuable work staff do to support the elderly in the community.

“We’ve been on the high streets and into shops speaking to as many people as we can.

“No-one we’ve spoken to thinks closing the Sam Davies Ward is a good idea or will benefit patients or their families in any way.

“We’re certain we’ll get thousands more signatures.

“Unison will be at Barry Island in September and we’ll have a stall at Barry Pride.

“We’ll keep talking to everyone about the need for local and easily accessible public services to remain in Barry.

“Closure of the ward would force people to travel further afield to health services based at Llandough or the Heath hospital.

“Unison will do our best to keep the Sam Davies ward open.”

The petition can be signed at Barry Island, from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, September 1 and at a stall in Barry Pride on Saturday, September 21.

The petition is live on the Welsh Government website.

To sign, visit assembly.wales/en/gethome/e-petitions/Pages/petitiondetail.aspx?PetitionID=1601