Pembrokeshire residents are being urged to attend public drop-in events this month in Tenby and Pembroke Dock - with Hywel Dda University Health Board’s proposals placing future services at Withybush Hospital under threat.

The Future of Our Health Service consultations are underway, with the closing date for comments from the public, August 31.

There will also be a public drop in event at Tenby Leisure Centre on Friday, July 4 between 2 pm and 7 pm; and another one for the locality at Pembroke Dock’s Pater Hall on July 10, from 3 to 6pm.

County councillor for Kilgetty and Begelly, Cllr Alistair Cameron said: “Last year, Hywel Dda Health Board announced a further 5-year delay in its plans for a new hospital in either St Clears or Whitland.

“This means that the earliest the planned new hospital could open is in 10 years time.

“At the same time, the health board declared that nine of its services are ‘fragile’.

“The board are now asking for views as to how it should deliver these nine fragile services over the next 10 years.

“It has prepared several options including transferring some services from Withybush to Glangwili such as some intensive care and general emergency surgery as well as some screening, eye, radiology and urology services. It is also considering moving some stroke services to Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli.

“Many local residents will be very worried about having to travel even further for their treatment. Parking at Glangwili is already a major problem without any additional pressure.

“Please make your voice heard in these vital consultations.”

Whether you are a patient, member of the community, staff member or someone interested in health and well-being, you can drop-in to an event at any time.

“What you think, your experiences of health and care, and your ideas about the future of these services are hugely important. We recognise the importance of making sure the decisions we take are shaped by the people we serve,” said a spokesperson for the Health Board.

“At each event you will have the chance to speak with senior staff from Hywel Dda about the future of the clinical services in the consultation.

“Don’t miss your chance to get involved and have your say,” they added.

At the recent meeting of Tenby Town Council, Cllr Dr Tara Carmody who had represented the Town Council at the Hywel Dda University Health Board consultation for towns and community councils, said she would encourage all to attend the public consultation being held on Friday, July 4, between 2 and 7pm at the Leisure Centre, situated on Marsh Road.

“There is a huge amount of detail on the Hywel Dda website, including useful condensed documents, suitable for those with reduced literacy,” she told her fellow councillors.

“There are also documents aimed at youths. There is a lot to think about and digest and people have until the end of August to feed through. These are far reaching that will affect everyone,” she added.