Local MP Nick Ainger has met with the chief executive and the chairman of the Hywel Dda Health Board and received a categoric assurance that the new Withybush A & E unit is not under threat.

Following the meeting on Monday, Mr. Ainger said: "The new £8.7 million A & E unit's future is totally secure. There have been short-term problems recruiting junior and middle grade doctors, but by using local GPs and locums, the service is running 24 hours a day.

"I was assured that the board are doing everything they can and the vacant posts in A & E and across the rest of the local health service are being filled. Money is not a problem.

"The chairman, Chris Martin, and the new chief executive, Trevor Purt, accept that the health board must improve communications with staff and keep them better informed and involved with new developments at all levels of the service.

"Yes - mistakes have been made in not preparing properly for the changes to doctors' hours and the new immigration controls. That happened throughout the NHS. Recruitment is under way and vacancies are being filled.

"There are now far more doctors, nurses and medical technicians working in modern facilities and giving better and faster treatment than ever before, thanks to all the investment in Withybush, South Pembs., Tenby Cottage and Glangwili hospitals.

"There will always be those who will take any opportunity to scaremonger about our local health service. By claiming, without justification, that local services are at risk, they not only mislead people, but also make it more difficult to recruit and retain quality staff.

"That is completely irresponsible."