Proposal for a new hospital in west Wales accepted by health board

  • Wales

Proposals to downgrade two hospitals and build a new one have been accepted by NHS bosses in west Wales.

The decision by Hywel Dda University Health Board today, will also see Withybush hospital in Haverfordwest and Glangwili in Carmarthen lose A&E services.

A new hospital would be built between Narberth and St Clears.

The health board says that such significant change is essential if NHS services in west Wales are to be safely maintained.

There were eleven recommendations set out in the health board's own papers.

Campaigners gathered ahead of the consultation.

Read more: Hospital shake-up plans for west Wales

The recommendations for the health board were to:

  • progress consideration of location options within the defined new hospital zone, between Narberth and St. Clears, through a formal feasibility study and options appraisal to robustly consider all potential impacts

  • work with local people to develop models to provide enhanced support to those communities furthest from main urgent care and hospital services

  • consider the impact and opportunities a new hospital in the south of the Health Board area would provide to Bronglais General Hospital and the population of mid-Wales.

  • develop a plan for the approach to managing emergency conditions which are time-sensitive

Withybush hospital would lose it's A&E services under proposals being discussed

During the consultation process, concerns were raised on how health services could be delivered in one of Wales's most rural areas.

To address this, the health board says it will devise plans, and will "work closely with WAST to commission Ambulance Services that are not exclusively based on the conventional vehicle based model, which better support the delivery of services within the community, and focus on accessibility for our whole population."

The health board says the downgrade of services is essential but campaigners from the Amman Valley Action Group say they will fight to reverse the decision.

However, Stephen Crabb, the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire called the announcement a 'mockery' and said commitments need to be made:

Helen Mary Jones, the Plaid Cymru AM for Mid and West Wales called it a 'never ending saga in hospital reconfiguration'.

The Welsh Government said it was unable to comment as it may 'prejudice any future role the Cabinet Secretary might have to play in the process.'