ONE of the most depressing aspects of last week's announcement on the future of health services in west Wales is that it had been built up as 'Our Big NHS Change'.

This is a once in a lifetime chance to get this right, we are told.

If that is the case, why have we been presented with what largely amounts to rehashed plans from more than 10 years ago?

In 2006, the Western Telegraph attended a press conference in Port Talbot which outlined a plan to either close or downgrade Withybush and create a new 'super hospital' at Whitland.

Sound familiar?

Since then the organisations behind those plans have changed their names and logos several times, as is the fashion for the governance of the NHS in Wales.

And, every few years, one of these newly named organisations has tentatively tried to resurrect the plans only to back down in the face of resounding pressure from the Pembrokeshire public.

This is usually followed by another round of salami-slicing of services, with vital aspects of health care gradually moving east.

So, 12 years on, what has changed?

Well, one big thing has changed.

The people of Pembrokeshire have been totally sidelined by this 'consultation'.

All three proposals will result in the downgrading of Withybush - losing its £10m A&E - and the creation of a new hospital 'between Narberth and St Clears'.

This, we are told, is not up for discussion.

Hold on a second - didn't you say no decisions had been made?

Or do you mean no decisions have been made apart from the ones that state no change is not an option?

Oh, and that Withybush will be become a community hospital?

Oh... and a new hospital will be built?

Pembrokeshire people are rightly proud of Withybush Hospital and have fought hard to protect services over several decades.

Hundreds have joined protests on the steps of the Senedd and outside the hospital.

Tens of thousands of signatures have been gathered on petitions.

It's hard to escape the conclusion that a county which has fought tooth and nail to save its hospital and its services is being totally, deliberately, disenfranchised by this 'consultation' in the hope that opposition to the plans can be watered down.

If that is the case then you can be sure that Pembrokeshire people will see through this and make their views widely, and loudly, known.

The fact a new petition has already gathered over 9,000 signatures in one day is hugely encouraging.

Withybush needs its A&E. It needs to be a general hospital - we won't give up fighting for it.

Sign the petition here