MIU staff second to none (From Western Telegraph)

MIU staff second to none

11:06am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Letters

I AM writing this letter as Chairman of the Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital with the full support of the members of the committee.

We wish to make people aware of the changes that could be in the pipeline which we feel will be detriment to the well-being of people who live in the south of the county.

It is not many months since the Hywel Dda Health Board was challenged about the first decision to close the MIUs at both South Pembs and Tenby. The units did reopen but obviously there are still plans by the health board to close them and we are given to understand that this time the closures will be permanent.

Both Simon Hart MP and Angela Burns AM were involved in the first talks and have now been approached to help with the current situation.

The mayor of Pembroke Dock, Peter Kraus, is also being very proactive.

The quality and experience of the staff in these MIUs is second to none and we understand that the powers that be at Withybush would prefer to have them there. But there are specific needs in the south of Pembrokeshire which must be met.

For example, the ever growing population of elderly people and the young families with children that have minor accidents or illnesses.

A lot of these people cannot get to Withybush easily as many do not drive or do not have a car. The cost of a taxi both ways is horrific. Also local industry must not be forgotten or overlooked.

I am given to understand that our local medical practice has not been asked to make provision for the type of patients who need MIUs and is not prepared to do so in the current climate.

When the MIU at South Pembs was closed last time, Argyle Street surgery did not see a sudden increase in patients needing treatment because people tried to look after their own conditions/injuries.

When MIU at South Pembs reopened, the staff saw a number of people rather belatedly who should have had earlier treatment probably making their conditions a lot harder to heal/mend.

There is currently a consultative document detailing all the plans proposed by the health board. Please support us by letting them know that you are not content to let the MIUs close.

If you have access to a computer go to their website where you will see that nominations are invited from staff, patients and members of the community – also listed are the various places where meetings will be taking place to discuss the plans.

Please give support and stop these closures before it is too late.

SUE PATERSON-JONES Chairman of the Friends of South Pembs Hospital