PLAID Cymru AM Simon Thomas will be quizzing the Health Minister next week (Wednesday 20th November) over the ‘unacceptable’ proposals to cancel operations over the winter by the Hywel Dda Health Board.

The AM has a question next week to the Health Minister over changes in the Hywel Dda Health Board.

One element of Hywel Dda’s winter planning proposals is to reduce elective orthopaedic surgery on all three sites Bronglais, Prince Philip and Withybush Hospitals over the winter period. The plan is subject to the board’s approval later this month.

Mid and West AM for Plaid Cymru Simon Thomas said: “It is unacceptable for patients to suffer even more because of the winter health proposals of the health board. I’ll be raising this issue with the Health Minister asking whether he supports this plan by health bosses.

“The waiting time for orthopaedic surgery in Hywel Dda is fifteen months as it is. The winter plan is estimated to add five to six months to the waiting time.

“That’s an extra half a year of pain and distress for patients. Plaid Cymru’s proposal for a waiting times cap would ease the suffering of patients waiting for orthopaedic surgery.

“If patients cannot be seen in the Hywel Dda area they should be able to go elsewhere.

“Orthopaedic surgeons in Hywel Dda would have their workload reduced by a third under the winter plan. So the staff resources for treatment to be carried out elsewhere on a temporary basis already exist. Creative solutions can be found if people are willing to work together.”