South Pembrokeshire Hospital must continue to have a vibrant and busy future serving the local population, agreed Hywel Dda University Health Board members at their latest public meeting.

A joint review, by the Health Board and Pembrokeshire County Council, continues into the care and support provided from the hospital to consider if any improvements or changes are required to meet patient and customer needs.

The review is considering services and activity that is jointly funded and both organisations are informally talking to staff, patients, partners and stakeholders about their needs and ideas about future service provision.

This piece of work involves a comprehensive review of: day care and rehabilitation/reablement for adults, including therapy input; inpatient services which include 35 health and 5 social beds; support services, including administration, estates, hotel services and transport; accommodation space for health and social care staff and provision within the area for visiting services.

The project group, which meets regularly, has representation from doctors, therapists, medicines management, health and social care management, finance, human resources, estates, third sector providers, wider staff representation and representation from Hywel Dda Community Health Council, Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital and unions.

Any future models or options considered will need to ensure that services are inclusive and fit for purpose going forward. The review team is anticipating an initial report being provided by the end of August.

Speaking at the Health Board meeting, Joe Teape, director of operations for Hywel Dda, explained: “We have heard some concerns about going forward with the South Pembrokeshire Hospital review, but can I reassure people that the intention is to support a vibrant and busy hospital which meets the needs of the local population.

“I am going to work hard to make sure this is a thoughtful review and if we need to pause and engage more with the local community then we will. The hospital does a lot now, but it could do more and that is what we would like going forward.”

Alyson Thomas, chief officer for Hywel Dda Community Health Council, said: “The review has been a long process, but we’re pleased that the Health Board sees a positive future for the hospital.

“We now look forward to considering the recommendations when they are produced and will work with the Health Board to explore how it can engage with the public on this issue.”

Pam Marsden, director of social services and leisure for Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “As a local authority we are working closely with the Health Board.

“We want to ensure services continue to improve, are value for money and meet need.”