Sir,

I am writing this letter as chairman of the Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital with the full support of the members of the committee.

It is not many months since the Hywel Dda Health Board was challenged about the first decision to close the MIUs at both South Pembs. and Tenby. The units did reopen, but obviously there are still plans by the Health Board to close them and we are given to understand that this time the closures will be permanent.

Both Simon Hart MP and Angela Burns AM were involved in the first talks and have now been approached to help with the current situation. The Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Peter Kraus, is also being very proactive.

The quality and experience of the staff in these MIUs is second to none and so the powers that be at Withybush would prefer to have them there. But there are specific needs in the south of Pembrokeshire which must be met. For example, the ever-growing population of elderly people and the young families with children that have minor accidents or illnesses. Many of these people cannot get to Withybush easily as many do not drive or do not have a car. The cost of a taxi is horrific. Also do not forget local industry.

I am given to understand that our local medical practice has not been asked to make provision for the type of patients who need MIUs and is not prepared to do so in the current climate.

When the MIU at South Pembs. was closed last time, Argyle did not see a sudden increase in patients needing treatment because people tried to look after their own conditions/injuries. When MIU at South Pembs. reopened, the staff saw a number of people who should have had earlier treatment for their problems, which probably made them a lot harder to heal/mend.

There is currently a consultative document detailing all the plans proposed by the Health Board. Please support us by letting the Hywel Daa Health Board know that you are not content to let the MIUs close. If you have access to a computer, go to their website where you will see that nominations are invited from staff, patients and members of the community - also listed are the various places where meetings will be taking place to discuss the plans.

Thank you for reading this letter. Please give support and stop these closures.

Sue Paterson-Jones,

Pembroke Dock