AM labels health board consultation 'a farce'

Paul Davies, AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire, attended a meeting of St Dogmaels Community Council where Hywel Dda Health Board’s proposals to downgrade hospitals at Withybush and Glangwili and replace them with a new super-hospital between St Clears and Whitland came under fire.

A 12-week consultation is currently being carried out by health bosses with the public being urged to give their views.

Mr Davies said: “I think the whole consultation is a farce because as far as Withybush is concerned, there is no choice. All three options being proposed by the health board downgrade the hospital, with no A&E facility.

“And how will they fund these three options? The Welsh Government can’t tell us.

“Building this hospital outside Pembrokeshire is a disaster for us. Travelling from here is unacceptable and could put lives at risk. I will be fighting this proposal all the way.”

Cllr Phil Hutchings expressed the opinion of many at the meeting when he said: “I find it alarming that we will lose A&E facilities at both Withybush and Glangwili.

“People making these plans do not understand the transport situation around Cardigan. Travelling to Aberystwyth is already difficult enough and to go to this new hospital, travelling times will be excessive and at certain times of the year almost impossible.

“Having decided to build the new care centre in Cardigan, they should have as many facilities there as possible. Train services are non-existent while bus services in this area are not very good and often involve a lot of changes.

“Many elderly people don’t drive and families are often a fair distance away and they don’t have support.

“Facilities should be brought in to the new hospital at Cardigan and maintain services at Withybush and Carmarthen.

“We hear care starts once the ambulance service arrives but with ambulances taking a long time to turn up, we could do with more support and local facilities.”