We want a top service (From Western Telegraph)

We want a top service

1:21pm Friday 31st August 2012 in Letters

WE REALISE that we cannot expect to have all specialist services on our doorstep, but do the powers that be in the health service ever stop to think about patients and their families who sometimes have logistical nightmares to deal with when hospital services get pushed further and further away from our doorsteps?

Recently our daughter has had three hospital appointments in Cardiff and four in Morriston, entailing 1,000 miles of travel, fuel costs and travelling times, making it more traumatic.

As for expanding services at Glangwili Hospital, the parking facilities need to be expanded first. At present it is a nightmare scenario, making hospital appointments more stressful than need be.

Relocating orthopaedic services to Llanelli could cause transport problems to people like me, a non-driver who wishes to visit close relatives undergoing surgery.

At present I can get on a bus and go straight to Withybush Hospital. But, the same cannot be said for getting to Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli.

If use is to be made of GP Surgeries for minor injuries, are we going to be able to walk in ‘off the street’? Or does it mean phoning for an appointment, only to be told that the lines are busy and to phone back later? In the meantime you may be slowly bleeding to death on the carpet.

It is rather ironic that while we, the health services users, are paying executives first class wages, they seem content to offer us a second class service.

MARGARET WALKER

Pembroke Dock