Concern over long-term safety at Withybush Hospital

Concern over long-term safety at Withybush Hospital

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas believes the further reduction of services at Withybush Hospital raises concern over the long term safety of the hospital.

Plaid Cymru AM Simon Thomas called for the return of a 24 hour paediatric service at Withybush Hospital.

He did so during a statement in the Senedd on the options put forward by Hywel Dda University Health Board to temporarily reduce paediatric services at Withybush Hospital.

“This further reduction of Withybush services leaves me very concerned at the long term safety at Withybush. I told the Cabinet Secretary that I could not support these proposals in any way.

“I am calling for the return of 24 hour paediatric care at Withybush Hospital. The proposal to further reduce the service at Withybush is unacceptable.

“Earlier this year I presented a petition at the Senedd building, with over 20,000 signatures, on restoring paediatric services to Withybush. It seems that the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board are willing to ignore the strength of feeling locally about this subject.

“Surely there is a link between the Welsh Government decision to approve a cut in hours from 24 hours to 12 and the inability to recruit the staff needed. The best consultants would want to work in a 24 hour service where they would get support.

“As a parent I would not have confidence with this service. I’m asking for the Cabinet Secretary for Health to take action for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Plaid Cymru’s long-term health plan to recruit 1,000 extra doctors would be one way for us to re-introduce a decent service at Withybush.”