The importance of Accident and Emergency services to the people of Pembrokeshire has been highlighted by local Assembly Member Paul Davies. Mr Davies said that the increased pressure on A and E services, in light of problems with out-of-hours doctors services, showed the importance of retaining a local A and E department at Withybush hospital.

He said, “As a result of a lack of out-of-hours GP services, there’s clearly been more pressure on Withybush hospital’s A and E department and that’s why it’s even more important that the service is protected for the future. Hywel Dda Health Board’s consultation on transforming clinical services has no recognition at all about the importance of A and E services to the local community and what impact any downgrading will have on local people.”

Mr Davies has also formally written to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services to ask him to intervene in the health board’s plans, in order to stop the downgrading of the hospital from taking place.

He added, “I’ve made it clear that these proposals disproportionately disadvantage people living in Pembrokeshire and so it’s time for the Welsh Government to intervene and put an end to the health board’s catastrophic plans. Withybush hospital is a vital part of the west Wales health network and any moves to downgrade it or remove it completely will be disastrous for the local area.”