Pembrokeshire's Assembly Members have welcomed news that the county's Local Health Board may be scrapped under a wholesale reorganisation of the NHS in Wales.

The Conservatives have lobbied against having 22 separate trusts covering Wales since they were introduced by Labour in 2003.

Health Minister Edwina Hart announced on July 16 that she is planning to do away with all of the Welsh NHS Trusts and LHBs and replace them with seven separate health organisations.

Mrs Hart also spelled out proposals to take a more "hands-on" approach to health management and said she would be looking into the future role of the Community Health Councils (CHCs).

Paul Davies, AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire, added: "I am concerned at the minister's apparent intention to take a more hands-on approach to the daily management of the health service.

"What the NHS in Wales now needs is a period of stability and direction, not interference and meddling.

"I believe that control of the NHS needs to be taken from politicians and put it in the hands of those at the sharp end, the doctors and nurses."

And he joined Mrs Burns in demanding reassurance that the CHC's will be safeguarded.

"It is imperative that Pembrokeshire CHC is protected at all costs as it is a vital mouthpiece for the people that matter - the patients."