Findings from an independent study of healthcare in mid Wales say that health boards can do more to reduce the impact of travel on patients in mid Wales. The report, published by the Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care (WIHSC) also noted that unnecessary journeys to access care should be eliminated.
Local Assembly Member Paul Davies said, "Professor Marcus Longley's Mid Wales Health Review certainly makes for interesting reading when you read the comments made regarding the impact of travel. Given that Hywel Dda health board represents both mid and west Wales, they should accept this recommendation when planning health services across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen as well as in mid Wales."
He added, "The controversial decision to close the Special Care Baby Unit and downgrade paediatric services at Withybush Hospital clearly doesn't chime with this report's recommendation. Indeed, travelling any distance lessens survival chances and in a rural area like Pembrokeshire, reaching medical attention within the golden hour can make the difference between life and death. In light of this report, I hope Hywel Dda Health Board take a serious look at the plans to reconfigure services for West Wales."