AN urgent review of paediatric services is needed, says a local AM, as he raises his concerns at the Senedd.
Paul Davies’ calls come as Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that it faces “renewed and significant workforce challenges at a consultant level”.

Mr Davies said that a review should be undertaken with a view to reinstating 24 hour paediatric services at Withybush. He said that the downgrade to a 12 hour service had been a “disaster for the people of Pembrokeshire”.

As reported in the Western Telegraph there were local fears that paediatric cover is under threat following the loss of a consultant paediatrician, community paediatrician and upcoming maternity leave.

Mr Davies, raised the issue in the Assembly with the Cabinet Secretary for Health after tabling an ‘Urgent Question’.

Speaking outside the chamber, he said: “I have long warned that downgrading paediatric services would be catastrophic – not just for local services, but for recruitment generally.

“My worst fears have now been borne out, and for the minister to question the motives of a local member in raising these concerns is totally unacceptable**.

“It is clear that the decision to move to a twelve hour service has been an unmitigated disaster for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“That’s why I’m calling for a commitment to reviewing paediatric services at Withybush Hospital, with a view to restoring a twenty-four hour service.”

He added: “When the original changes were made I warned that downgrading paediatrics would undermine the sustainability of remaining services.

“It’s hard enough to recruit at a consultant level in the Welsh NHS, but the health board itself recognises that there is a ‘particular problem’ here in Pembrokeshire.

“That’s why we need to see clear reassurances from the Cabinet Secretary that these services are secure, and in the short term that the government are taking steps to help the health board to overcome some of the recruitment challenges they face.”

Hywel Dda Health Board said that a temporary locum consultant has been appointed and it will continue to try and make substantive appointments.

A spokesman reassured parents that it remained committed to maintaining the opening hours of Withybush’s Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU), 10am to 10pm, despite “facing renewed and significant workforce challenges at consultant level”.

Dr Martin Simmonds role as a community paediatric consultant does not impact on hospital care the health board said and his post will be advertised.

“Consultant paediatric input into this multidisciplinary team will continue, despite the loss of Dr Simmonds clinical input,” a statement added.