Welsh Conservative AM, Paul Davies, has today called for an urgent review of paediatric services at Withybush hospital in Pembrokeshire.

The calls come as Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that it faces “renewed and significant workforce challenges at a consultant level”.

Mr Davies said that a review should be undertaken with a view to reinstating 24 hour paediatric services at Withybush. He said that the downgrade to a 12 hour service had been a “disaster for the people of Pembrokeshire”.

The latest developments at Withybush Hospital have been triggered by the retirement of a Consultant Paediatrician, and another who is taking maternity leave.

There are now concerns in the local community that services could face further downgrading.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM, Mr Davies, raised the issue in the Assembly with the Cabinet Secretary for Health after tabling an ‘Urgent Question’*.

Speaking outside the chamber, he said:

“I have long warned that downgrading paediatric services would be catastrophic – not just for local services, but for recruitment generally.

“My worst fears have now been borne out, and for the minister to question the motives of a local member in raising these concerns is totally unacceptable**.

“It is clear that the decision to move to a twelve hour service has been an unmitigated disaster for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“That’s why I’m calling for a commitment to reviewing paediatric services at Withybush Hospital, with a view to restoring a twenty-four hour service.”

He added:

“When the original changes were made I warned that downgrading paediatrics would undermine the sustainability of remaining services.

“It’s hard enough to recruit at a consultant level in the Welsh NHS, but the health board itself recognises that there is a ‘particular problem’ here in Pembrokeshire.

“That’s why we need to see clear reassurances from the Cabinet Seceretary that these services are secure, and in the short term that the government are taking steps to help the health board to overcome some of the recruitment challenges they face.”