Local group, the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network (SEPCHN) have given their reaction to the recently published results of the Hywel Dda Health Board's consultation on changes to the local health service, stating that it is clear that the people of Tenby and South East Pembrokeshire are strongly against proposals to close the Cottage Hospital's minor injuries unit.

"The research carried out by the Opinion Research Services on behalf of the Health Board, reveals a number of clear messages for the board to consider before it makes any decisions," said SEPCHN chairman, Mansel Thomas.

"It is very much hoped that the board has not already made up its mind before making any decisions, as the Opinion Research Services states - 'public opinion should inform the decision makers'.

"What is clear is that the people of this area are most emphatically against the plans to close the Tenby Cottage Hospital Minor Injury Unit.

"The response of individuals in the open questionnaire, showed the people of South East Pembrokeshire had the biggest proportionate return of any part of the Health Board area, illustrating the depth of feeling that exists against the proposals.

"Of the open questionnaires returned, 81 per cent were against the proposed closure, with 62 per cent strongly against it.

"This appears to be the strongest response to any of the questions posed in the consultation document. Similarly, organisations returning the questionnaire were equally opposed to the proposals, with 83 per cent against," continued Mr. Thomas.

In addition to the individual responses from the area, a very large number of local organisations felt the need to express their concern at the plans, with Tenby Town Council, along with local community councils, also presenting a petition to the Welsh Government, as well as Pembrokeshire County Council.

Local business organisations, schools, church groups, care homes, political parties, also all felt empowered to write and express their opposition.

"The responses appeared to emphasise one or more of the 10 key points that SEPCHN has tabled," explained Mr. Thomas.

"It is essential that the Health Board faces up to the 10 issues and provides answers before they even consider a decision, otherwise what was the purpose of the consultation process?

"What of the minor injury care for the now approaching 20,000 population within five miles of the hospital who at weekends will now have to travel 23 miles to Withybush General Hospital, especially when there is no bus service? What of the waste of first class MIU facilities at Tenby Cottage Hospital? What of the agreement of local GP practices? How will money be saved when the ambulance service state that additional funding will probably be required to run the new service and additional practice nurses will have to be trained?" remarked Mr. Thomas, who refers to the Opinion Research Services report to the board, that acknowledges some of the problems of the area - 'In Pembrokeshire there are considerable anxieties about access to services and distances to travel, particularly, but not only for the elderly, and the board will probably want to consider how these issues can be mitigated'.

"Who on the board speaks up for the very real healthcare concerns of the people of this area? We trust that the board is able to analyse the effects of proposed changes and provides a rational response to the healthcare that the people of this area expects.

"What is evident is that there are strong feelings in the community and efforts will continue to be made to ensure that there is no diminution of the healthcare in this area," added Mr. Thomas, who said that a few individuals had even discussed the possibility of a legal challenge.