Local Assembly Member Paul Davies AM has expressed his disappointment at the Health Minister's decision to decline an invitation to meet the Save Withybush Action Team. Mr Davies invited the new Health Minister Lesley Griffiths AM, to meet with the group, after he brought a short debate on services at Withybush hospital to the Assembly Chamber last term.
Paul Davies said "I am very disappointed that the Health Minister has decided not to accept my invitation to come and meet with the SWAT team members. Sadly, this demonstrates the attitude of the Welsh Government. The Welsh Labour administration should make itself available to engage and discuss health policy with groups and organisations who are worried about local health services. SWAT have a number of concerns surrounding services at Withybush hospital and it is appropriate that the Minister meets with them to address these issues."
"The Save Withybush Action Team have worked tirelessly to publicise a number of issues surrounding services at Withybush hospital and hold regular public meetings in the area. The Minister has been more than welcome to attend any one of these meetings. It was disappointing that she has even declined a meeting with this local group at a time and date convenient to her. It is essential that any new proposals within the health service in Wales are transparent and accountable to its people; and while SWAT continue to raise their concerns with the Hywel Dda health board, I feel it is now time for the Minister to address these concerns directly."