Health care in North Wales has received a major boost with the official opening of a new Eye Unit in Bangor — the North Wales Eye Specialist Centre (NWESC) — described as a “fantastic moment” for the region’s medical services.
The new Bangor facility marks the next stage in the company’s growth since its first clinic opened in Abergele in June 2022, when the ribbon was cut by Darren Millar MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives. Since then, NWESC has gone from strength to strength, earning five-star reviews from patients across the region.
One recent patient praised the clinic for its professionalism and care, writing:
“I was very impressed with the clinic. All staff were very professional and caring. Mrs Mathews was very polite and explained what eye issue I had and what treatment was required… I will continue using this clinic in the future.”
Commenting on the opening, Janet Finch-Saunders MS, who officially opened the Bangor centre, said:
“The four directors of the centre should be extremely proud. This is a fantastic moment for health care in North Wales, and it’s clear how essential the care NWESC provides is.”
Finch-Saunders also highlighted her recent visit to Bangor University’s School of Health Sciences, where she met with Mr Chris Drew, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Projects. She described the anatomy lab as “fascinating” and praised the university for providing students with “a brilliant start to their careers” in medicine.
“The vast array of medical specialities the University covers is incredible,” she said. “Bangor Medical School is a truly inspiring hub for vital medical research, and it strengthens our Welsh NHS — especially here in North Wales.”
She added that training more medical professionals locally could have long-term benefits for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, as students are more likely to remain and work in the area after graduating.
Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by the health board, Finch-Saunders said there is “room for hope” with continued investment in medical services. Alongside the new Eye Unit and Bangor’s medical training programmes, she cited the orthopaedic hub under development at Llandudno Hospital as another positive step.
Looking ahead, she pledged to continue campaigning for further healthcare improvements across North Wales, including:
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Establishing a dental school in Bangor
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Extending Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) opening hours in Llandudno
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Protecting Holyhead Hospice from closure
“It’s easy to focus on the problems, but this is a moment to celebrate the positive progress being made,” she concluded. “With these new investments and projects, there is genuine hope for health care in North Wales.”