Ruthin minor injuries unit shut until 26 November
Health officials have been criticised for temporarily shutting a north Wales community hospital's minor injuries unit (MIU) over staff shortages.
The two-week closure at Ruthin has been branded as "simply not good enough" by Clwyd West AM Darren Millar, the Conservatives' shadow health minister.
However, hospital managers say the decision was made to ensure patient safety.
A separate consultation is under way looking at closing the MIU and others.
Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board (BCUHB), which manages the hospital, said it will reopen on 26 November.
It comes as minor injuries services could close under a major health review at Ruthin, Ffestiniog Memorial, Colwyn Bay, Llangollen, Flint, Mold and Chirk hospitals.
Mr Millar said: "There seems to be constant disruption at the Minor Injuries Unit at Ruthin Community Hospital which is very worrying for my constituents who are already anxious about the proposed closure of the unit.
"Just before Christmas last year Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board closed the unit for three months due to winter pressures.
"Then last month opening hours at the unit were reduced for two weeks and now the unit has been closed again forcing patients to travel to access services which is ludicrous when there is a unit on their doorstep."
A health board spokesperson said: "Patients needing a minor injuries service during this time should attend Denbigh Hospital Minor Injuries Unit or contact their GP surgery."
All other services, such as outpatients, blood tests and wound dressings will continue as normal.
The spokesperson said the decision is likely to affect about one patient a day on average.