If it ain't broke... then don't fix it (From Western Telegraph)

If it ain't broke... then don't fix it

9:32am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Letters

OVER this past year or so there has been lots of debate and talk of major changes taking place at our local hospital, Withybush.

Having recently spent some time at the hospital, and over the years received lots of excellent treatment, I feel we should keep what we have.

My latest visits were four weeks in Ward 7 and three weeks in Ward 3. I must say the care and support on both wards was top class.

Led by senior sisters the nursing staff, healthcare assistants and hotel services staff made me feel that the patients were their first priority, although many are under pressure not knowing what the future holds.

A big thank you to them all.

I remember the days when our local councillors and dignitary’s, along with senior medical people, fought tooth and nail to get Withybush Hospital.

Those people must now be turning in their graves, at the proposed changes and down grading.

For me, I don’t understand why they want to change something that isn’t broken and works so well.

Since the amalgamation of the trust into Hywel Dda Health Board, we in Pembrokeshire have become one of the minnows. The same happened in the days of Dyfed, when we in Pembrokeshire lost out.

I urge the people of our county to make their voices heard – keep and improve the service at Withybush General, so it is always able to serve all the people of Pembrokeshire and its visitors.

May I add too that there is a few things Hywel Dda needs to improve: 1. The doctors on call out of hours service.

2. The five hours plus wait at A and E, even when its not busy.

3. From my own experience, I would like to see more urgency given to home visits or the question asked is it urgent.

I thank the Western Telegraph for giving us all the chances to hear and know what is going on.

DEREK CHARLES Harbour Close Neyland