Hywel Dda Health Board has welcomed the Health Minister's decision to create a level neonatal unit at Carmarthen, a move that signals the end of the Special Care Baby Unit at Withybush Hospital.

Dr Sue Fish, Medical Director, Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “The University Health Board welcome’s today’s announcement and the clarity it provides as we aim to make our women and children’s services safe and sustainable for the future.

“Planning will continue with clinical teams to design services that are fit for purpose and meet the needs of our population.

“We understand there is concern and as our planning develops following today’s announcement, we will undertake an extensive programme of communications to ensure everyone understands what the changes will mean and when they will happen.”

“We are aware of particular cases being raised across the media. We are very clear that neither the Health Board nor the Minister would ever put forward an unsafe service and the safety net the Minister talked about – with Consultants available for the rare emergency whilst the model develops – will ensure patients are safe.”