Nick Bourne, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly and Assembly member for Mid and West Wales, has written to the acting chief executive of Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust to seek assurances about the future of Tenby Cottage Hospital.

At a recent meeting with the Trust to discuss its financial position, Nick Bourne was assured the hospital would not close until a replacement unit opened in 2006. However, there is speculation that Tenby Cottage Hospital could close before the replacement unit is in place, possibly as early as this October.

Nick Bourne said: "I am very concerned about this speculation regarding the future of Tenby Cottage Hospital.

"When I met with the Trust I was assured the hospital would be kept open until the replacement facility was in place.

"I have therefore written to the acting chief executive to seek her confirmation that the position has not changed and that Tenby Cottage Hospital will stay open until the new unit is available."