Sir,

Following the announcement by the Hywel Dda Health Board concerning their intention to close the Minor Injuries Unit at Tenby Cottage Hospital, it is quite evident that the Community Health Council has failed to represent the medical requirements of this locality effectively.

The decision has been primarily based on questionable data collected regarding MIU attendance and the infamous consultation exercise. This is an acutely worrying development for us all.

The MIU often provides a first point of call for ailments that are anything but minor. The professional opinion of the medical staff at the MIU is vital to ensuring each individual case gets the best available treatment.

That provision is now to be replaced by a fridge magnet which is for us to 'Choose Well' the medical attention we may need.

This can only be described as a step backwards.

The extension of the holiday season, which now runs into and includes Christmas and the New Year, substantially increases the population of the area, as do the Long Course Weekends and Ironman events.

Having spoken with local medical professionals, it has been made clear to me that should a multiple casualty accident occur in this area, the proposed replacement service would struggle to cope.

Despite this, the Hywel Dda Health Board is to continue with its plan to close the doors of the Tenby MIU.

The invaluable work by the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network will continue and I ask that all local councillors support their fight to save the MIU, particularly those elected members of the Independent Plus Group in neighbouring wards who have to date been conspicuous by their absence.

Jonathan S. Preston,

C/Clr. Penally, Gumfreston and St. Mary Out Liberty,

5 Holloway Court,

Penally.