Figures obtained by the Western Mail show that in 2012-13, 72 patients at Withybush hospital had an operation cancelled, with 50 of those patients having their operation cancelled due to bed shortages. The latest figures are equivalent to one and a half persons a week, on average in Pembrokeshire.

Commenting on these figures, local Assembly Member Paul Davies said, "These figures are extremely worrying. The cancellation of an operation is difficult for any patient. Therefore it is essential that the health board takes measures to tackle this issue urgently.

The figures also showed a startling 243% increase in the number of cancelled operations at Withybush hospital, with only 21 operations being cancelled in the previous year.

Mr Davies added, "This hike in the number of cancelled operations is a direct result of the record-breaking cuts of over £800million in real terms over five years, which the Welsh Labour Government has been imposing on our Welsh NHS. Sadly, the financial challenge our health boards are facing is driving unpopular and dangerous service change, forcing health chiefs to cut beds and cancel operations and having damaging effects on patient care. The people of Pembrokeshire have a right to feel to be treated in an appropriate and timely fashion and it is important that the Welsh Labour Government now addresses this as a matter of urgency."