Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies is calling on the Welsh Government to bring forward a Ministerial statement on Hywel Dda local health board's reconfiguration plans, following the Health Minister's recent decision to set up a scrutiny panel to advise on the controversial changes. The panel will include Dr Jim Wardrope, a consultant in A&E medicine in Sheffield; Professor of neonatal medicine Neena Modi; and David Salter, former deputy chief medical officer for Wales.

Mr Davies said, "I'm extremely disappointed that the Minister has created this panel, without discussing its terms of reference. Very little is known about this panel and its remit, and the timing of this announcement, at the end of the Government term, is very worrying. It's quite clear that the Minister has chosen to announce the creation of this panel at the end of the Assembly term which seems to suggest that the Government is avoiding thorough and robust scrutiny of this matter.

The panel has been set up to consider issues highlighted by Hywel Dda Community Health Council in response to the Health Board's plans for future care across the region. The proposed changes would see the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Withybush Hospital close.

Mr Davies added, "I hope that this panel seriously considers the views of the people of Pembrokeshire, when studying the Health Board's proposals. The local community health council have been courageous in their efforts to stand up against these plans, and speak up on behalf of the people of Pembrokeshire and so it is important that the new panel hears those views loud and clear. I will, of course, continue to press the Minister to clarify the remit of this panel and the timescales involved in this process."