A request from local Assembly Member Paul Davies to publically scrutinise the future of services at Withybush hospital has been denied, following the latest news that overnight paediatric services at the Withybush hospital could be closed.

Mr Davies tabled an urgent question to the Welsh Health Minister given the substantial knock-on effect that this closure would have on the hospital's obstetrics department, A & E department and the Special Care Baby Unit.

Mr Davies said, "This latest news has further escalated concerns in Pembrokeshire that Withybush hospital is signalled for downgrading. Sadly, my request to scrutinise the Health Minister on this has been turned down. Unfortunately, I have repeatedly called for statements from the Welsh Government in relation to Hywel Dda health board's plans, all of which have been denied."

He added, "This news will once again renew fears over the hospital's future, and it's time that the Welsh Government provided certainty and reassurances for west Wales patients. Anything less is unacceptable. The people of Pembrokeshire will rightly be worried about the potential closure of overnight paediatric services and the effect that it will have on the sustainability of other core services at Withybush. I will of course, keep raising these issues in the Assembly Chamber in the hope that Welsh Labour Ministers will come clean on the future of Withybush hospital as soon as possible."