The head of the Betsi Cadwaladr health board has defended a review into the future of urgent care units at three hospitals.

There are fears that the health board could end urgent primary care at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog.

If the plans go ahead, the UPCC centres - which were opened four years ago - could close by the end of next March.

In a statement on Tuesday, the chief executive of the North Wales health board said they were aiming to "improve access to same-day urgent care, not reduce it".

Carol Shillabeer also dismissed speculation on social media that there were plans to close minor injuries units and community hospitals in the region.

The closure of the Holyhead unit would signal another blow for Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley - Anglesey's only hospital - where St David's Hospice closed its four-bed unit last year.

Mrs Shillabeer said: "The current UPCC service accounts for less than 1% of GP practice appointments in the areas it serves."

"We are currently considering its future as part of a wider review, which will identify how best to provide equitable, sustainable and high-quality same-day urgent care services for patients across North Wales."

She added: "As this work progresses, we will review best practice and consider a range of approaches, including the emerging same day urgent community care (SDUCC) model, the role of community pharmacies and options for urgent treatment centres."

"Patients, communities, staff and partners will have opportunities to contribute before any recommendations or decisions are made."

Plaid Cymru MP Lllnos Medi said she had receieved confifrmation that no decision has yet been made on the urgent care services.

But the Ynys Môn MP added: "The recent uncertainty has caused considerable anxiety for staff, patients and local communities, and that is simply not fair on those who rely on these services."

"I am seeking a meeting with health board representatives in the coming weeks to press the case for the continued urgent primary care provision in Holyhead and to ensure local voices are meaningfully considered as future options are explored."

Last month, Conservative MS Janet Finch Saunders wrote to the Health Minister, Mabon ap Gwynfor, calling on him to intervene and keep the Holyhead unit open.

The Bangor Conwy Môn MS said the proposals were "deeply concerning" and would have a "devastating impact on Ynys Môn."

She added: "It is vital that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board supports these centres to remain open. Without them, existing waiting times could increase, potentially leading to delays in treatment."