Pembrokeshire's Conservative politicians have backed a group of west Wales doctors who are calling for the NHS in Wales to introduce patient choice.

An open letter signed by 60 doctors, mainly from west Wales, argues that a lack of choice in the Welsh NHS is increasing health inequalities.

It also states the previous situation of treatment anywhere in Wales "was a better option for the patient".

The letter said: "Many patients are unaware it is official policy of the Assembly Government that, with regards to health, choice is not important in Wales. This is in direct contrast to England.

"It means that if a service is available in your LHB area, a patient must use that service and does not have the choice to go to another hospital.

"You will only go elsewhere if a service is unavailable in your LHB or if your doctor can make out a case – by filling out a long, time-consuming form, and this does not take into account any research needed to support the case."

South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns said: "The Welsh Assembly Government cannot ignore the concerns of these doctors.

"Everyone in Pembrokeshire should have timely, effective and appropriate access to healthcare, wherever and whenever they need it.

"As the doctors point out, at the moment the only way to get any choice is to pay to go private."

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies added: "The Assembly Government's continued insistence of ruling out private sector involvement in the NHS is limiting patients' choice and creating an inequality of service across Wales.

"The decision on where a patient receives treatment should be irrespective of provider and based on clinicians' assessments not political doctrine.

"The quality of healthcare should not depend on where you live and I would urge the Assembly Government to reconsider their position on this matter."