Withybush Hospital frontline staff praised for patient care innovation by MSs

CEREDIGION Penfro Reform MSs Paul Marr and Claire Archibald have visited Withybush Hospital to meet some of the teams working on patient care frontline.

The Senedd Members spent time with the consultant and team in the Acute Frailty Unit, met the doctor leading the Hospital at Home service, and visited a GP-led unit where they spoke with nurses, healthcare support workers and other dedicated staff.

“I came away genuinely impressed by what has been achieved,” said Claire. “Too often we only hear about the negatives facing Withybush Hospital. While those challenges are very real and must be addressed, it is equally important that we recognise the outstanding work being carried out every single day by the people who work there.

“The innovation, dedication and commitment shown by these teams are making a real difference to patients across Pembrokeshire. It was encouraging to hear about services that are helping people receive the right care, in the right place, while improving patient outcomes.

“Paul and I will continue our discussions with Hywel Dda University Health Board,” she said. “We will not be standing outside the hospital signs filming videos attacking the health board that achieve nothing. Instead, we will hold them to account face to face inside the hospitals about failings, challenge downgrades, and work with them to communicate changes and explain their perspective. More importantly, we will continue listening directly to the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and support staff on the frontline. They understand the pressures, they know the opportunities, and their experience is what we need to shape the future of healthcare in our area.”

Claire added: “I’ve worked in that hospital and I will be fighting to improve services, not just save them. Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with us, and for the compassion, professionalism and hard work you show every day.”