Sir, It was with satisfaction that I read last week's Tenby Observer article on the plans to invest a further £39 million to create a 21st century hospital at Withybush. To those who follow health service provisions in the county closely, much of this was of no surprise, as much of these plans were in place, and the funding planned before the Welsh Assembly Election on May 3, barely three months ago. Then Labour was in a majority and could push through with its manifesto. But on May 3, both Labour Assembly Members Christine Gwyther and Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey lost their seats, our AM Christine by just 98 votes. These were the people, together with our MP Nick Ainger who fought long and hard to ensure that Withybush Hospital has the future that is now unfolding. The ground work was done, the financing of major projects ensured by the former Health Minister Brian Gibbons AM and his team. He spoke to local Labour Party members, supporters and members of the public in Tenby last March. Those who were present were told the unglossed facts. There had been a succession of well-attended public meetings across the county on what possibly lay ahead for Withybush Hospital, but the public voted for their own option which was put to the Assembly Government. Many of us spoke to the local electorate before May 3. They were concerned by what they were hearing from the opposition parties, i.e. the Conservative Party supported by the Countyside Alliance, Plaid Cymru, national or local media (not this 'paper), and certain hospital consultants. The public had been fed a drip-feed of misinformation and untruths about Withybush Hospital's future, if any. It is indeed a lesson, on reading last week's report, that the public should beware of pre-election hidden agenda. We have excellent health services to enjoy in the future, but we lost two excellent Assembly Members.
Marjorie Bevan (secretary), Tenby and District Labour Party Branch.