Sir, So our hospital is to close, despite the empty promises from Labour politicians assuring us that it would remain open until the new beds in the private sector were available. We have been comprehensively conned into accepting a clinic which masquerades as a hospital, in a building that could easily accommodate more than the 10 beds we are being offered in the private sector, by using, for example the 'seminar' rooms. The reason given for the premature closure is difficulty in staffing. Well, what a surprise. Did the Health Trust really believe that following nearly 12 years of closure threats staff would continue to commit themselves to such an uncertain future, with no guarantee of continuing employment? Still I wonder if this is the real reason? I recently read a report on the condition of the building. It was quite appalling. To expect patients to be nursed in a building that had been allowed to deteriorate to such a state of almost total dereliction beggars belief. I have to accept some of the blame myself. I swallowed the assurances given by two Labour health ministers that our hospital was safe until the new facility was completed. I foolishly believed them! I hope the electors of South Pembrokeshire remember their duplicity next May. Michael Williams, Harding Street, Tenby.
