Speaking during the Senedd petitions debate today (June 29) on retention of Accident & Emergency (A&E) provision at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales said that the matter is creating more ‘uncertainty’ for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Plaid Cymru has long argued that people should have the right to essential services, which clearly includes A&E departments, within a reasonable distance of their homes in all parts of Wales,” he stated.

“The potential for healthcare reform in the area by building, potentially, a new hospital is creating more uncertainty in Pembrokeshire.

“This strength of feeling in the local community is evident. The loss of A&E provision from Withybush to some of the proposed hospital sites, which were announced last week, could see distances for residents living in St Davids more than double, from 16 to 36 miles.

“A similar doubling of journey lengths would also be seen for areas such as Milford Haven, Fishguard and Angle.

“I know that many residents are extremely concerned about the impact of this increase in journey times to A&E, particularly when considering the significant influx in the population in Pembrokeshire during the height of the tourist season, as well as the concentration of industrial activity found on the Milford Haven waterway.

“It's vital that the health board and the Welsh Government pay careful attention to the genuine concerns expressed by the residents of Pembrokeshire, and that they take decisive action to ensure that access to emergency services, and residents' right to access these services, isn't undermined by any proposed reforms to the area's health system,” he added.