Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has called on the Welsh Government to bring forward an urgent statement on its delivery of health services in west Wales, following plans announced by Hywel Dda University Health Board to downgrade Withybush hospital from a general hospital to a community hospital.

He said, “In light of the serious impact that the local health board’s plans will have on people living in Pembrokeshire, it’s vital that the Welsh Government bring forward a statement on the delivery of health services in the area. People across Pembrokeshire are rightly furious at these proposals – in just over 24 hours a local petition led by Myles Bamford-Lewis has raised over 8,500 signatures, showing that the people of Pembrokeshire will not give up without a fight. I’m extremely angry that the Welsh Government is refusing to bring forward an urgent statement on this matter and would rather wait to see the consultation process take place. Withybush hospital will be downgraded, regardless of which option the health board selects because there are no other alternatives for the people I represent. It’s an absolute scandal that the Welsh Government refuses to intervene on this matter and it’s not right that the people of Pembrokeshire are treated in this way.”