A new service being launched at Tenby Hospital looks set to cut travel times for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers in Pembrokeshire.

From this week, the Multiple Sclerosis team usually based at Morriston Hospital will hold regular outreach clinics at Tenby Hospital, meaning patients will no longer have to travel to Swansea for appointments. The new service follows on from the success of a similar clinic established at Bronglais Hospital in the past two years in which the team offer specialist consultations to local patients. It is also an open access service meaning anyone with a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can refer themselves, or give permission for a member of their family, carer or healthcare professional to refer them, simply by contacting the team directly. Said Sue Mullock, clinical specialist nurse, and Lynne Tomlinson, senior physiotherapist for the team: "Our aim is to provide people with multiple sclerosis support and advice, especially symptom management. We can refer to local and regional services to ensure appropriate treatment, including disease modifying treatment or orthotics."

Margaret Barnaby, associate director of Hywel Dda NHS Trust, added: "This new service is part of the Trust's ongoing commitment to meet patients' needs with high quality treatments much closer to home and within their own communities wherever possible. This is a trend that we anticipate will continue to improve healthcare services locally."

Wendy Osbourne, from Tenby, has welcomed the new service. She said: "There are so many people with MS in this area that this clinic will make access to help and support far easier for everyone. I would normally have to make a 90-mile round trip to see the team in Swansea."

Rehabilitation co-ordinator at Tenby Hospital, Yvonne Phillips, also hailed the development as a further investment into local services at Tenby Hospital.

She said: "Tenby Hospital already delivers a wide range of services, including outpatient services, a minor injury unit, x-ray, dental services, podiatry and day care unit. This new service builds on the range of services already available locally."

If anyone wishes to contact the team, they can do so by calling directly on 01792 703234.