Nick Bourne, AM for Mid and West Wales and Welsh Conservative Leader in the National Assembly for Wales, recently wrote to Assembly Health Minister Jane Hutt to find out when the money for a new Tenby hospital that was announced earlier this year would be made available.
In response, the Minister said: "The Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust has prepared an Outline Business Case (OBC) outlining the options available for the re-provision of services, and identifying the preferred option. This is a new build single site facility. The capital funding required is £2.89m. The Assembly Government is currently considering the OBC. On approval, the Trust will be in a position to progress with the purchase of the land required for development. Funds will be made available this financial year if required."
Speaking after receiving the reply, Nick Bourne said: "I am pleased that progress is being made in this matter. There was some concern amongst my constituents that there was to be a delay in the handing over of the money, so I am pleased to have been able to receive a clarification of the position from the Minister. However, the final approval has still to be gained from the Assembly Government for a new build.
"It has been a long battle for a new build hospital at Tenby, and it is important that it is not snatched away at this late stage. I am continuing to put pressure on the Minister for this, as is the League of Friends, so ably chaired by Pat Wright."