Statement from Keith Davies AM concerning the referral of health plans to the Welsh Government

Llanelli AM, Keith Davies has responded to the decision by Hywel Dda Community Health Council (CHC) to refer proposals by the Hywel Dda Local Health Board (LHB) to reconfigure emergency care at Prince Philip Hospital to the Welsh Government.

Keith Davies AM for Llanelli said:

“Since the final plans for health services were revealed in January, my office has been in regular contact with the Hywel Dda LHB and Community Health Council. I am disappointed that, during that time, neither party have been able to agree a position whereby the CHC felt comfortable that the plans being put forward were in the best interests of the patient. Therefore the CHC has used its powers to refer the matter to the Welsh Government.

“Despite the high level of consultation outlined in the various ORS reports, many people feel as though they have lost confidence in the process and that somehow local views were not fully represented in the final consultation report.

“I remain sceptical about the proposals for emergency care available to Llanelli residents at Prince Philip Hospital, especially in light of the Longley report which suggests that a level 2 A&E facility could be appropriate at a hospital such as Prince Philip.”

“There is also the issue of the South Wales Programme Board and the hands off approach taken by Hywel Dda as well as the on-going issue of patient transport and the continued stress being placed upon the Welsh Ambulance Service.”