AROUND 500 Pembrokeshire people have gathered outside the steps of the Senedd this morning (Wednesday) to once again hammer home their anger and disgust at the gradual removal of services from Withybush Hospital and try to halt any further downgrade of local care.

Protesters have travelled on nine coaches and by car and train to attend from all corners of the county.

Today’s protest has been organised by the Save Withybush Action Team (SWAT).

SWAT said yesterday: “It is about trying to get a safe, fair and equitable health service back for Pembrokeshire and others concerned about loss of vital services.”

In recent months the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) has been removed, along with overnight paediatric care, plus controversial chances to maternity and women’s services.

Any pregnant women under consultant-led care now have to give birth in Glangwili.

Fears remain over the future of the 24-7 accident and emergency department at Withybush although Hywel Dda Health Board has repeatedly offered assurances about its future.

The changes mean Pembrokeshire people now often have to travel to Carmarthen – 30miles from Withybush Hospital – to access care which had previously been available in the county.

SWAT chairman Chris Overton announced this week that he intends to stand in May’s General Election.

Although health is a devolved issue under the responsibility of the Welsh Government, it promises to be a major issue when the county goes to the polls on May 7.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies, said: "We will not tolerate the downgrading of services in pembrokeshire.

"The decision to close scubu and overnight paediatrics are putting people's lives at risk. A number of people have come to me and told me of their awful experience.

"Having to travel from Pembrokeshire to Glangwili in the middle of the night.

"They are forcing us to travel further afield for life saving services. It is dangerous and unacceptable and putting people's lives at risk.

"If people receive the right treatment in the first hour outcomes improve significantly. It is highly unlikely that we in Pembrokeshire will receive the right treatment within that hour. I will continue to fight to overturn these horrific decisions."