FOI Figures show Llanelli Hospital ‘Bypassed’, request for meeting with Ambulance Chiefs ignored

Figures uncovered by Llanelli Assembly Member, Keith Davies show that the minor A&E unit at Prince Philip Hospital attracts the highest number of private daytime attendances of all the major hospitals in the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire area.

In figures released by the Health Board under a Freedom of Information request, 20,877 people attended Prince Philip during daytime hours in the 12 months to November 2011, with a further 8,745 attending overnight. Just 3,709 were brought to the facility by ambulance following a 999 call.

Keith Davies AM is now asking further questions as to why ambulance services appear to be bypassing Llanelli in favour of Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital. 2,684 ambulance attendees from the Llanelli post code areas of SA14, SA15 and SA16 received emergency treatment in Carmarthen. A further 1,180 received treatment at Morriston according to the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.

Keith Davies AM said:

“In a written response to me, Hywel Dda Chair Chris Martin confirmed that the range of emergency care available at Prince Philip Hospital was limited to a few keys areas. Despite this, large numbers of people continue to present themselves for treatment at their local hospital. But what concerns me, is that ambulances are bypassing Prince Philip.

“I have received numerous complaints from patients who say they are being brought to Carmarthen for emergency treatment. In the majority of cases Morriston is closer and more accessible for friends and family visits. With the emphasis on also providing high quality specialist care, Morriston Hospital is better suited to deal with the needs of Llanelli residents. The Health Board says that there is no agreement in place with Ambulance Trust but the figures speak for themselves.”

Despite several requests for a meeting to discuss the local situation, the Welsh Ambulance NHS Trust has failed to provide a date to meet with the Llanelli Assembly Member.

Keith Davies continued:

“I want assurances from the Welsh Ambulance NHS Trust about how emergency calls are being managed in the Llanelli area. I also want their views on planned changes to the Accident and Emergency department at Prince Philip Hospital. I am very disappointed that despite several calls and a series of dates proposed, no firm meeting has been established.

“Llanelli people expect better emergency care at Prince Philip; they expect a service that meets the demands placed upon it. We have seen the Health Board rework their plans to maintain a 24/7 A&E service at Withybush. Now they must take note of the needs of our area.

“Safe services aren’t just safe because they are of high quality. They are safe because they are also accessible and local. This is the message we must make sure the Health Board hears before its current consultation ends.”