Clarification is being sought on the current state of play regarding Tenby Hospital.
In a letter to Jane Hutt, Minister for Health and Social Services, this week, Cynog Dafis, Plaid Cymru AM for Mid and West Wales, has stressed just how strong the feeling is locally that Tenby should have a replacement cottage hospital, including beds.
However, during meetings on Monday, he says he was given two different accounts of the present state of play.
His letter to Jane Hutt states: "(1) In the morning I, together with representatives of the Hospital League of Friends, CATCH and the Town Council, met with the Chair and Director of Primary Care and Planning of the Local Health Board. We were told that the Outline Business Case, setting out five options, had been sent to your department and was awaiting a decision as to the next stage of the process. The options ranged from Option 1: 'Comprehensive new build, single site facility to include all present activity' to Option 5: 'Inpatient beds purchased from the independent sector, and locating all ambulatory services, in a new build provision.'
"This clearly implies that the ball was now in your court, and whether or not Tenby would have a new hospital, including beds, depended upon your instruction as to which of the options the Trust should now develop further in a Full Business Case.
"(2) That evening I spoke informally to Lynette George, Chair of the Trust. She told me that your department had in fact already instructed the Trust to work up the Full Business Case - but that she thought that this was being done for two of the options!
"I must say that I find the lack of clarity as to what stage we are at in the process, and what options remain open, absolutely infuriating. I know too that this is true of local opinion. For years now the people of Tenby have been through consultation processes which have left them uncertain as to the authorities' intentions. That this should remain the case at this late stage is utterly unacceptable. That the two key organisations involved have divergent understandings of the current situation is also deeply worrying!
"I am asking you therefore to let me know immediately what the actual position is (i) what stage the process is at (ii) which options are being considered, and by whom? It is essential that the people of South-East Pembrokeshire (not just Tenby) should have this information now so that they can act accordingly.
"I must tell you that failure to provide a new hospital, a term that implies the inclusion of beds, would be utterly unacceptable to local people. A replacement hospital is what they, and informed professional opinion locally, have quite clearly identified as necessary to provide a satisfactory service. A new Health Centre is simply not good enough.
"My clear understanding is that the ultimate decision as to whether a hospital is to be provided rests with you.
"I would be grateful for a response to this letter by the weekend."
DISAPPOINTED
BY ATTITUDE
Nick Bourne, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly, and AM for Mid and West Wales, has also said that he is disappointed at the relaxed attitude of Jane Hutt to the lack of progress on a new build hospital for the people of Tenby.
"It is clear to me from responses from the Minister, and from Mr. C. Martin, Chairman of the Local Health Group, that no decision is going to be made on this vital project until after the Assembly elections. It is hard to see this as other than a cynical ploy to keep the people of Tenby and South Pembrokeshire dangling on a string.
"My view throughout is that we need a new build hospital for Tenby inpatient beds, and I am furious and disappointed at the lack of commitment from the Minister to this basic need for the people of our area.
"I will be continuing to put pressure on the Minister and do what ever it takes to get this commitment."