St David’s Hospice has announced the temporary closure of its four in-patient beds at Penrhos Stanley Hospital in Holyhead from October 2025, citing unsustainable financial pressures as the reason for the decision. The move has prompted a wave of public concern and political response, including a petition signed by more than 3,700 people and calls for immediate intervention from the Welsh Government.

In a statement released on 14 July, Gareth Jones, CEO of St David’s Hospice, said the closure, set to last for at least 12 months, was “a difficult strategic decision” made during “a challenging time for the charity and care sectors in the UK.”

“The combination of rising running costs and reduced income have made it economically unviable to continue operating all three hospice sites , despite our best efforts to mitigate these factors,” Jones said.

Services will continue at the charity’s Llandudno and Bangor hospices, with patients from Holyhead offered care at these alternative sites. However, the closure has placed both clinical and non-clinical roles in Holyhead at risk, with a formal consultation process now underway.

Political Leaders Demand Action

The announcement has drawn immediate criticism from local representatives. Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi and MS Rhun ap Iorwerth called the decision “devastating” for local families and staff.

“Having accessible end-of-life care rooted in the community is vital,” they said in a joint statement. “We cannot accept a situation where people are asked to travel miles for dignity and compassion when that service should be available to them locally.”

The Plaid Cymru politicians have written to the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss how to safeguard the future of hospice care in Holyhead. They also highlighted broader systemic issues impacting hospices across Wales, including rising demand, escalating costs, and cuts to funding.

Their plea was echoed by Welsh Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders, who submitted an Emergency Question to the Senedd in a bid to raise the matter before the summer recess.

“St David’s Hospice is an incredible charity that provides the highest standard of care to individuals with life-limiting conditions,” Finch-Saunders said. “Temporary closure is not a feasible option. The Welsh Government must assess urgently whether it can intervene, at least in the short term, to keep the Holyhead beds open.”

Community Petition Gains Momentum

A public petition urging St David’s Hospice and the Welsh Government to reconsider the Holyhead closure has already gathered over 3,700 signatures. The petition reflects widespread concern across Anglesey and beyond about the accessibility of palliative care for residents in the region.

View the petition here.

The community has rallied around the hospice, recognising the vital role it plays in providing end-of-life care locally. Many signatories have shared personal stories and urged leaders not to let Holyhead patients become “the forgotten few.”

Hospice Reaffirms Commitment to North Wales Care

Despite the closure, St David’s Hospice maintains that it remains committed to delivering high-quality palliative care across north Wales.

“The temporary closure of our Holyhead in-patient beds will allow us to focus on strengthening our operations,” said CEO Gareth Jones. “We are determined to ensure that the people of Anglesey, Conwy, and Gwynedd continue to receive the end-of-life care they deserve.”

Jones emphasised that the decision will be reviewed after 12 months and encouraged the public to support the hospice through donations and fundraising to help sustain its services.

For more information about the closure or to make a donation, visit the Holyhead Hospice FAQs or email: messageus@stdavidshospice.org.uk.