Senedd Members for Pembrokeshire, are seeking legal options to challenge Hywel Dda Health Board's changes to Withybush Hospital services amid growing public concern.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies and Carmarthen West MS Samuel Kurtz have written jointly to the Counsel General, Julie James MS, seeking legal advice on the options available to challenge decisions taken by Hywel Dda University Health Board affecting healthcare services in the county.

They have asked the Counsel General to outline what legal mechanisms may exist to scrutinise or challenge the health board’s decision-making process, particularly in relation to changes impacting services at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

The move comes amid growing concern from residents, clinicians and community groups about the impact of service changes on patient safety and access to care, especially in a rural county where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significant.

Public concern has also been reflected in a petition calling for intervention regarding the future of services at Withybush Hospital, which has now attracted more than 11,000 signatures and continues to gain support. The petition has surpassed the threshold required for it to be considered for debate in Senedd Cymru.

The two MSs say the level of public support demonstrates the strength of feeling locally and the need for greater scrutiny of the decisions being taken.

Mr Davies said: “Residents across Pembrokeshire are deeply concerned about the cumulative impact that changes to healthcare services could have on patient safety and access to care in a rural area. The fact that more than 11,000 people have signed the petition highlights just how strongly people feel about this issue.”

Mr Kurtz added: “People deserve confidence that decisions affecting vital healthcare services have been taken properly and with full consideration of the impact on local communities.

“We have therefore written to the Counsel General to seek advice on what legal avenues may exist to challenge these decisions and what powers the Welsh Government has to intervene where serious concerns have been raised.”

The MSs have also asked the Welsh Government to clarify what role it can play in reviewing or intervening where there are significant concerns about the governance and decision-making processes of a health board.