Sir,
Further to your report of February 21, I wish to point out that despite all the pressure that we in the Labour Party, CATCH, the League of Friends of Tenby Cottage Hospital, other organisations and all concerned members of the community may bring to bear on Jane Hutt, the Minister of Health in the National Assembly, she is not able to decide whether the proposed new hospital in Tenby should or should not have beds. This is a decision which will be made by the new Health Board, which becomes responsible for the provision of medical services in Pembrokeshire on April 1, but the Minister does have the authority to accept or reject the board's recommendation.
The National Assembly has secured increased funding from Westminster, and Jane Hutt, after constant lobbying by Christine Gwyther, our local AM, has provided sufficient funds to meet our needs. The Health Board will prepare a Business Plan - hopefully a proper Business Plan this time - which is right and proper, as local assessments of local needs should reflect those needs better than could be done in Cardiff.
At our meeting with her on Thursday, February 20, she gave a pledge that she would not approve any proposal by the board unless they had carried out full and detailed consultations with members of the community.
So! - anyone and everyone who is concerned and who insists that the new hospital must have beds - make sure that you make your views and feelings known to the members of the Health Board, and let us all work together on this!
Norman Spence,
Joint Secretary,
Tenby and Saundersfoot Branch Labour Party,
14 Lawnswood,
Ragged Staff,
Saundersfoot.