A public meeting is being held in Pembroke on Thursday to discuss the recent closure of the Minor Injury Unit at South Pembrokeshire Hospital.

The meeting, to be held at Pembroke Town Hall at 7 pm, is being organised by the town council.

The decision taken by the Hywel Dda Health Board to temporarily suspend services at the Minor Injuries Unit was discussed at a meeting of council on Thursday.

Said Hugh Colley, town clerk: "Members of Hywel Dda Community Health Council - an independent statutory organisation set-up to represent the interests of the public and patients in this area - attended the meeting and took the time to explain in detail the timetable of events leading up to the decision taken by Hywel Dda Health Board to close the units at South Pembrokeshire and Tenby Cottage hospitals.

"Pembroke Town Council is extremely disappointed that the decision to close the units was taken without any form of public consultation or dialogue having taken place."

He continued: "The council remains deeply concerned that the closures will place an additional burden on patients seeking treatment and existing health service provision, especially the Welsh Ambulance Service.

"In relation to the 'temporary' suspension of this vital service, council has been advised that we should not be complacent that this service will resume in three months time and is seeking reassurances from the health board that every effort is being made to restore the Minor Injuries Units at both hospitals."

A public meeting to discuss the recent closures, with a view to seeking support to re-open both units, will be held at Pembroke Town Hall on Thursday, January 19, commencing at 7 pm.

Both Mr. Chris Martin (chairman) and Mr. Trevor Purt (chief executive), Hywel Dda Health Board, have been informed of the meeting which will provide an excellent opportunity for them to explain the decision-making process and to address concerns raised by the public.

Both Mrs. Angela Burns AM and Mr. Simon Hart MP have indicated that they will be attending the meeting.