Sir,

I regret that Clr. Calver had to watch what has been going on in recent months regarding an acceptable conclusion to the reprovision of services now provided at Tenby Cottage Hospital. Had he taken part in what was happening he would be far better informed. May I try to put him in the picture?

1. There is no political manoeuvring. The Friends of the Cottage Hospital (not mentioned) have also played a very important role as have CATCH our Assembly Member Christine Gwyther, Nick Ainger MP, the local branch of the Labour Party and many public figures in the local community.

The above groups are working together. Had Clr. Calver attended the Pembs. Health Board meetings and the Derwen Hospital Trust Meeting, he would know all this.

There is no disunity or vying for political points - too important a local issue is at stake.

2. Christine Gwyther AM has also attended relevant meetings in Cardiff Bay, e.g. on June 25 she addressed a direct question to the Minister for Health, Jane Hutt, and received a full reply, as she has since, in private meetings with the Minister.

3. The buck has not been passed to the Health Board. On the contrary, the Health Board has caused the problem. As Christine Gwyther recently stated, they have displayed a complete intransigence, with a set immovable agenda, decided by those members who had been on previous committees, that Tenby Cottage Hospital should close and not be replaced. The scant figures in their 'preferred option' statement have to be looked at carefully and the Minister for Health has to be made aware of this.

4. Gas Lane is the approved site, purchased by the Welsh Assembly, alongside Tenby GP's surgery. There is room for 'beds on site provision,' plus all the planned support services e.g. Physiotherapy Rehabilitation, Podiatry, GP visits, consultant visits, parking and also bus stops. Also the landscaping and site improvement will ensure that patients will not be unhappy.

The battle goes on! Everyone is asked to put the case for a hospital with beds to Minister for Health, Jane Hutt AM, The Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 INA.

Clr. Calver we hope you have written and will join in our efforts in future.

Marjorie Bevan,

3 St. David's Close,

Tenby.