A LEGAL challenge against Hywel Dda health board’s proposals that would close Pembrokeshire’s accident and emergency department could be launched.

Protesters are hoping a judicial review could be put forward on the basis that there is a potential “flaw” with the health board’s 12-week consultation which would see a huge shake-up in health provision for Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Hywel Dda has put forward three alternative plans – all of which would include the downgrading of both Withybush Hospital at Haverfordwest and Glangwili at Carmarthen, with a new hospital incorporating A&E facilities to be built between St Clears and Narbeth.

Hayley Wood, one of those behind the Save Withybush campaign online, is calling for a ‘person of straw’ – someone with little or no savings on long term benefits – to come forward who would be entitled to legal aid.

Similar legal action was launched – but subsequently failed - against Hywel Dda University Health Board in 2013 in relation to services changes at Withybush Hospital and at Llanelli’s Prince Philip.

Ms Wood said online: “Today I have had discussions with a leading solicitor and we feel we have discovered a potential flaw in the current consultation. It appears the closure of the A&E department (at Withybush Hospital) is a foregone conclusion and this goes against the Gunning Principles set out in law.

“We feel there is a legal challenge to be had on this and would like to put this forward as a Judicial Review.

“In order to do this we will need a person who is on long term benefits with little or no savings to qualify for legal aid.

“The person will also learn about the judicial process as well as get involved in any media attention.”

Anyone interested is asked to contact Hayle