AS one of the persons involved in the commissioning of our Withybush Hospital in the early 70s, I find it so sad to see the facilities we fought for whittled away. Many will remember the fight for Paediatric beds, for the title of General Hospital, and for a full range of facilities.

We were proud to work there and the staff were happy.

Over the years millions have been spent on more operating theatres, and an intensive care ward. More recently on a new A and E. Now a dialysis unit awaits patients. Was all this money wasted? Surely the craziest decision has been the removal of obstetric beds. It is time for this negativity to stop, and for the hospital board to state clearly what their vision is for the future of Withybush.

Have they got one? What can we expect to have in five or so years time?

We know we have to travel now for specialist care, but the problem of getting an ageing population to the facility they need has not yet been addressed.

The noble volunteers who give up their time to ferry folk to Glangwili, Singleton, Morriston, and Ammon Valley grow fewer in numbers as they find 38p a mile (sorry they have just had a rises – it is now 39p) does not cover their costs.

We are told that recruitment of doctors is difficult, I wonder how hard they try? Is it an excuse? Are the advantages of living in a county like Pembrokeshire adequately advertised?

I hope the years of destruction of health services in Pembrokeshire is ending and that a period of real positive planning begins, so that we can feel safe in the knowledge that should we suddenly become ill, there will be a bed and an adequately trained doctor to deal promptly with us, within a few miles of our homes, using fully the considerable facilities which remain here. Can we be assured of that?

PHILIP ROBINSON

Retired consultant anaesthetist