The Welsh Government has been accused by local Senedd Members of “ducking responsibility” and “hiding behind an unelected health board” following its response to concerns about sweeping service changes proposed by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Following a Joint letter written by Senedd Members, Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies to Welsh Government, urging them to intervene in changes to services at Withybush Hospital discussed at the extraordinary board meeting held in February, they have insisted that decisions about the Clinical Services Plan (CSP) rest with the health board, despite widespread public concern about the future of services across West Wales.

Critics say this response highlights a growing pattern of the Welsh Government attempting to distance itself from controversial decisions affecting frontline NHS services.

Commenting, Pembrokeshire Preseli, Senedd Member Paul Davies said: “This response is deeply disappointing but sadly not surprising. The Welsh Government is once again trying to pass the buck and avoid accountability by hiding behind an unelected health board.”

“Let’s be absolutely clear - health boards are not independent actors. They are created, funded and directed by the Welsh Government. Ministers cannot wash their hands of decisions that will have such a profound impact on communities across West Wales.”

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member, Samuel Kurtz added: “People in Pembrokeshire are rightly concerned about what these changes mean for local services, particularly at Withybush Hospital.

“Attempting to suggest that key services like the emergency department sit outside of these plans will do little to reassure the public, when we have seen services hallowed out and destabilised over the last decade.”

“The Welsh Government must stop hiding behind process and start taking responsibility for the future of healthcare in our communities.”

sam kurtz withybush
Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies outside Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest (Sam Kurtz)

Residents across Pembrokeshire can now support the campaign to protect services at Withybush Hospital by signing a paper petition available in town and community council offices throughout the county.

The initiative ensures that those who are digitally excluded, including older residents and those without reliable internet access, can still take part.

The petition has already attracted more than 11,000 signatures, demonstrating strong public support for maintaining local healthcare services.

Providing both online and paper options will help ensure the campaign reflects the views of the whole community.

Maintaining services at Withybush is critical for patient safety, timely emergency care and supporting rural communities, where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significantly longer.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so at their local town or community council office.

The following Councils have accepted paper copies of the Senedd petition: Saundersfoot, Narberth; Pembroke; Pembroke Dock; Milford Haven; Fishguard & Goodwick; Haverfordwest; Newport.

The petition, which runs until August 23, states: “We demand immediate government intervention to oversee the Health Board at Withybush Hospital and restore essential services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Pembrokeshire residents. The residents, GPs, ambulance services and voluntary sectors do not need the strain or anxiety the health board is causing locally.”