Local Assembly Member Paul Davies is raising concerns over the rise in the number of negligent claims made against Hywel Dda local health board. According to figures from the BBC, in 2009/2010 Hywel Dda local health board settled 41 claims at a cost of £1, 645,000. That figure continued to increase to 56 cases at a cost of £4, 682,746 in 2011/2012.

Mr Davies said, "These figures do make for disappointing reading. Whilst I do believe that where clinical negligence is identified, patients should be fairly compensated, it is also essential that the health board takes measures to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

"Sadly, the Welsh Labour Government's cuts to the health service have meant that NHS staff are working under huge financial pressures. This latest pay-out puts even greater pressure on the Welsh NHS budget at a time when it is facing the deepest cuts in its history. As negligence in West Wales' hospitals is increasing, it is clear that the health board needs to take urgent action to address this issue. The people of Pembrokeshire have a right to feel that they are in the right hands, when they receive medical attention."