Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro Marc Tierney has backed a new hospital for West Wales.

Cllr Tierney, who represents Narberth urban ward on Pembrokeshire County Council, and is Labour’s number two candidate for the Senedd elections in Ceredigion Penfro, visited Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest to reaffirm Welsh Labour’s commitment to healthcare in West Wales and challenge claims being made by opposition parties about the hospital’s future.

Speaking from outside the hospital, Cllr Tierney said Withybush is not just a local health service, but a vital part of life for families across Pembrokeshire.

He said: “Withybush matters deeply to Pembrokeshire and it matters deeply to me. My children were born here. My grandparents were treated here. Like so many local families, mine has relied on Withybush across the generations.

“That’s why I understand how worried people feel when they hear rumours and claims about the hospital’s future.“So, let me be absolutely clear: Withybush is not closing. Withybush A&E is not closing. We will continue to provide services for the people of Pembrokeshire, no matter what the opposition parties say.”

Welsh Labour’s record, Cllr Tierney argued, showed the party was backing Withybush with real investment, not empty words.

Recent Welsh Labour Government funding for Withybush includes £1.18 million for new fluoroscopy equipment, £750,000 for X-ray equipment, £481,000 for a gamma camera upgrade and £110,000 for ultrasound equipment - helping patients access modern scans, tests and diagnosis closer to home.

The Welsh Government has also committed more than £27 million for essential fire safety works at Withybush, £12.8 million to manage RAAC issues and protect patients and staff, and more than £4 million for a new demountable aseptic unit supporting specialist treatment.

Cllr Tierney also challenged the political scaremongering around Withybush and called for honesty about the pressures facing the NHS.

He continued: “People ask why a new hospital has not already been delivered. The honest answer is that fourteen years of UK Conservative austerity held back major investment in public services across Wales and left our NHS dealing with huge backlogs and workforce pressures.

“If the Tories want to lecture Wales about the NHS, they should start by turning up to the BMA hustings, facing doctors and health professionals directly, and answering for the damage caused by fourteen years of cuts.”

“With a UK Labour Government now beginning to restore investment in public services, we have the chance to move forward. That is why Welsh Labour is able to make a fully costed pledge for a brand new hospital for West Wales - to strengthen care across the region, attract more consultants to the region and support the services people rely on at Withybush.”

He added: “When people ask what Welsh Labour has done for Withybush, the answer is clear: we have invested in the equipment, safety works and services that patients and staff rely on every day.

“Healthcare is changing and West Wales needs modern, safe, fit for the future facilities. This is about building the healthcare system West Wales needs for the future, itt is not about taking services away from Pembrokeshire.

“People deserve honesty, not scaremongering. Reform can say what they like, but their plans open the door to more private healthcare and a two tier NHS. The Conservatives spent years underfunding the NHS and now want to frighten people about the pressures they created.

“Welsh Labour’s plan is clear: protect Withybush, invest in West Wales and keep healthcare rooted in public service, not private profit.”

The visit comes amid ongoing debate about the future of hospital services in West Wales. Cllr Tierney said Welsh Labour would continue to focus on real investment, modern facilities and protecting access to care, rather than allowing opposition parties to spread fear in local communities.