CONCERNS that essential services at Withybush Hospital will be cut has prompted town councillors to seek more information about the future of health care in Pembrokeshire.

At a meeting of full council on Wednesday, November 11, councillors voiced fears the hospital was being “downgraded”, after staff contacted the Western Telegraph to say they understand that overnight paediatric services are being axed, which would have a knock-on effect on the hospital's obstetrics department and A & E and would signal the certain closure of the Special Care Baby Unit.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Roy Thomas said the rumours were “unbelievable”.

“We’re the energy capital of the UK, the Senedd boasts about that and on the reverse they’re trying to downgrade the hospital,” said Cllr Alan Buckfield.

He described the current situation as ‘de ja vu’, comparing it to fears over closure in 2006.

Referring to the possibility of pregnant women having to travel to Glangwili Hospital, Cllr Ellen Repton said the implications were “awful”.

Cllr Peter Lewis said local people deserved to know what the health board’s plans were.

“The ordinary person in the town must be looking at all the extensions going on there and thinking ‘are you moving or not?’,” he added.

“There must be a plan, these things don’t happen overnight,” added Cllr Buckfield.

The council will now write to Hywel Dda Health board, Health Minister Mark Drakeford and First Minister Carwyn Jones to seek clarification on the future of the hospital.