Community councils have again been urged this week to put as much pressure as possible on local MPs and AMs to fight for health services in the area.

Chairman of the Hywel Dda Community Health Council (CHC), Tony Wales, met with members of Tenby Town Council ahead of their meeting on Tuesday night to give them an update on where the organisation was at in talks with the Hywel Dda Health Board, following the recent recommendations passed by the board to close the Minor Injury Units provided at Tenby Cottage Hospital and the South Pembrokeshire Hospital in Pembroke Dock.

"It's a crunch week of meetings with the Local Health Board and we'll be seeking a few clarifications on certain issues and considering information before making a decision by Monday whether it's appropriate to refer the matter to the Health Minister," Mr. Wales told councillors.

"Obviously there is still a lot of concern about what is being proposed and our concerns still remain about who will provide the services at the Tenby MIU for this pilot project proposed for eight weeks of the summer.

"I'd urge community councils in the area to put as much pressure on AMs and MPs still," continued Mr. Wales, who was "disappointed" that he had not received more written responses from community councils in and around the area stating their concerns about the proposed closures.

DOCTORS'

CONCERNS

The town council received correspondence from both Tenby and Saundersfoot medical practices on the matter at the meeting, after writing to them recently for their views on the matter.

"We confirm that we are not in the position to provide an input into any pilot on weekends and bank holidays and we are seriously concerned that influx of temporary residents, especially within the core hours, would be a significant stretch to our resources beyond what is safe, while accepting of course a duty of care that applies for any unwell person who accesses our premises," wrote Dr. H. E. Davies on behalf of the Saundersfoot Medical Centre.

Meanwhile, a letter from Tenby Doctors Surgery signed by GPs stated: "We expressed our view that this service should not only be preserved, but developed and expanded, rather than withdrawn, especially in light of the fact that millions of pounds have been recently invested in the provision of this purpose-built facility in Tenby."

Both surgeries said they were due to hold further meetings with the Local Health Board before next week.

The town council also received letters of support from AMs Joyce Watson and Simon Thomas, while the Welsh Government Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, said it would not be appropriate for her to comment on any specific proposals at this stage, as it may compromise any quasi-judicial function Welsh Ministers may have to exercise later in the process.

Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas, who is also secretary of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network, said that a meeting with One Voice Wales earlier in the week had demonstrated that all councils in the area were united in fighting for the MIU and that all in attendance were in agreement that the Hywel Dda's consultation process was inept, with the feeling being that everyone's points had been ignored.

"It pleases me that the whole of South Pembs is working together to fight for our services," she commented.

Councillor calls for vote of no confidence

in Health Board

A 'notice of motion' is set to be put forward by County Clr. David Lloyd relating to the proposed closure of key services at Withybush Hospital, Tenby Cottage Hospital and South Pembrokeshire Hospital, stating that Pembrokeshire County Council has no confidence in the Hywel Dda Health Board for the following reasons:

1. The proposed closure of the Special Care Baby Unit at Withybush Hospital will put at risk the health and possible lives of babies born in Pembrokeshire;

2. The proposed closure of the Minor Injuries Units at Tenby Cottage Hospital and South Pembrokeshire Hospital, without first having secured the agreement of local GP's to provide an alternative service as planned, is reckless.