SOSPPAN Attend National Assembly

Member of the Sosppan Committee have appeared in the National Assembly for Wales to present the case to save and improve Prince Philip Hospital.

Giving evidence before the National Assembly’s Petitions Committee, Sosppan outlined the case to support the 13,000 signature petition calling for the preservation and enhancement of services at Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital.

Following Hywel Dda Health Board’s consultation on the future of services in the area, Sosppan has mobilised to ensure that patients in Llanelli and further afield have access to a quality general hospital within easy travelling distance. Whilst early indications are that the Hospital has been saved, Sosppan are continuing the fight to ensure that services are maintained and improved for the residents of the area.

Speaking following the session, Sosppan chair Louvain Roberts said

“I’m really pleased we were able to present our case to the committee today. It’s important that the voice of the public is head during the debate on the future of the health service in the area.

“We collected 13,000 signatures to our petition, demonstrating the public interest in ensuring we’re all able to access quality services at Prince Philip.”

John Prosser, secretary of Sosppan said:

“The Health Board have committed to ensuring that Prince Philip is maintained, but it’s not clear that we’ll continue to have access to a full range of services including orthapedics and a mental health unit – these must be saved.”

“Llanelli needs a modern hospital, with a full range of services to serve the almost 100,000 people who live in the area.”

Deryk Cundy added,

“It’s clear patients in Llanelli need to be able to access specialist treatment further afield, but that should be available at an easily accessible location.

We need to ensure that Hywel Dda and ABMU can work closely together so patients in need can travel the shorter distance to Swansea for treatment rather than being forced to travel an hour or more to Withybush.”