At a recent meeting of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network, a decision was made to fight the proposed closure of the Tenby Cottage Hospital Minor Injury Unit.

The board's proposals were outlined by David Morrissey, an assistant general manager, and Mr. Robertson Steel, hospital director of clinical care and assistant medical director. The main local issue was the closure of the MIU and transfer to a nurse led service at GP surgeries.

Numerous concerns were expressed by members after the presentations, which included the apparent lack of agreement with local GP's to undertake the service.

Of major concern was the effect on opening hours. The MIU will only be open during surgery hours which would mean no service for most of the weekend and Bank Holidays and late evenings.

They were also questioned about unsatisfactory public transport arrangements at weekends and the low level of car ownership in the area, making links to Withybush very difficult.

The SEPCHN believes the health board has clearly not researched the effects of the cuts on the community. South East Pembrokeshire has just about the largest rural population in the county, now approaching 20,000. This rises to over 50,000 in summer months with tourism becoming the major industry, which the MIU supports.

"The closure would mean the largest concentration of rural population in the county having the longest journey for a minor injury service at Withybush at many times of the week," said SEPCHN chairman, Mansel Thomas.

He continued: "Amongst many other burning issues was the sheer waste being planned by the board despite its assurances that 'it is striving to make the best use of resources'. The TCH was opened only six years ago at a cost of over £4million, of which the MIU was a major part. How can the board even contemplate the closure of a first class, purpose-built unit, with trained emergency nurse practitioners, by moving it only a few yards to a building that does not have such facilities?

"It is difficult to see how the plan is going to save money, as new facilities will need to be provided, additional nurses trained and undoubtedly there will be increased financial pressure on the ambulance service.

"The proposal beggars belief."

He added: "If you would like to join us in fighting these proposals, please come along to the De Valence on Tuesday, September 25, at 7 pm, for an open public meeting organised by Tenby Town Council.

"Chris Martin, chair of the Hywel Dda HB, has been invited to address the meeting. Details of questionnaire distribution and collection will be made available. Volunteers will be required for help with the forms and a petition."

The Health Board is planning a 'drop in' event at Kilgetty Community Centre on October 24 from 2-7.30 pm. Please go along and express your feelings. A public meeting is also being organised at Sir Thomas Picton School on September 20, from 7-9 pm.

Mr. Thomas concluded: "Please make every effort to complete and return the questionnaire as the Health Board must be made aware of the feeling within the community. Unless there is a major response there is a danger that the MIU could be lost. The hospital has always been an integral part of our social structure performing a range of essential functions. These need to be expanded and not be put out for discussion, to agree the most appropriate use as the plan proposes."