AN alternative option for the transformation of services across the Hywel Dda health board region is to be put forward by Plaid Cymru politicians.

The party says it doesn't believe the current consultation addresses how community services will be improved in the short term, and that a new super-hospital is unlikely to be the silver bullet the health board believes it will be.

While not discounting the option of a new hospital at this stage, Plaid Cymru points out that it would take at least seven years to build and would cost hundreds of millions of pounds - and with no assurance that the funding will be provided by the Welsh Government.

The announcement from Plaid Cymru comes after party councillors, Assembly Members and Members of Parliament across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion held their second 'Health Summit' in Carmarthen.

A statement said: “Plaid Cymru has tried to engage positively with the process, with an open mind, to consider how our health and care systems can be improved.

"We've now held two health summits, bringing together elected members from across the region, and have taken on board the experience, advice and suggestions from a number of clinicians across a range of disciplines, including general practitioners.

“This is a mature way to engage in the discussion of health care transformation, rather than simply trying to keep the status quo which everyone agrees is not sustainable.

"It's become clear to us that the health board's consultation doesn't address how services will be improved in the short to medium term; doesn't fully consider the immense work needed to transform social services for any of the health board's options to be realised; and we do not believe a new super hospital will be the silver bullet the health board believes it will be.

"We recognise the need for substantial investment in our hospital and community services. Our response will be to strengthen those services, without pitting communities against each other which the options currently on the table are doing.

"We believe the health board is presenting the wrong answers to the wrong questions. When we complete our policy position in the coming weeks, it will be one that we believe will empower those who use the service, not those who commission the service."