HOSPITAL beds that were closed this summer due to staff shortages are scheduled to re-open by January, Hywel Dda University Health Board has said.

The move will mean patients from the Tenby, Saundersfoot, Narberth and Kilgetty areas – who have been being diverted to Glangwili during the temporary reduction in bed numbers – will again be able to travel to Withybush for unscheduled and emergency appointments.

Additional – or ‘surge’ – beds have been opened at Withybush in the last two weeks, to help meet patient demand, but the health board needs to continue its recruitment drive in order to re-establish the beds formally.

Since the summer, the health board has hired eight international doctors, who are now being introduced into ward life.

The aim is to gradually re-establish the 16 beds that were temporarilyy closed in August during December and January.

But, at a meeting of the health board today (Thursday), Community Health Council member Paul Hinge reminded board members that they had originally set a target of December to re-open the beds.

He said that with winter pressures just around the corner, it was vital to have as many beds as possible, and also enough staff in place to care for patients.

Chief Executive Steve Moore said he remained fully committed to the hospital.

"Ninety per cent of the population of Pembrokeshire live within 30 minutes travel time of Withybush Hospital and this make the hospital a hugely important element in providing services close to home for the vast majority of people living in the county," he said.