A SEMINAR where councillors will get the chance to quiz health board staff on proposed service changes will be webcast for public viewing.

Following the launch of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s controversial plans to shake up health care, which include Pembrokeshire losing its district hospital, there has been growing public opposition.

The proposals would also see the removal of accident and emergency and paediatric services, as Withybush is proposed to become a community hospital.

Cllr Rob Summons submitted a question to full council on Thursday (May 10).

It read: “Given the current public concern regarding the proposals by the Hywel Dda Health Board with regard to the possible changes in healthcare in Pembrokeshire would the leader agree that, it would be beneficial to have the seminar with County Councillors and the Hywel Dda Health Board on Monday 21st May 2018 with regard to the Transformation of Clinical Services in Pembrokeshire to be webcast?

“This would enable the public to be able to watch live or by way of archived material what has been discussed. There appears to be strong public outrage at these proposals and it would be very open and transparent to carry out this request.”

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, cabinet member for social services told members she secured agreement from the health board to broadcast the meeting online.

” I must say I was pushing at an open door about this.

“Public and members have concerns the proposed reorganisation of clinical services and the need for the board to be open and transparent is paramount,” she added.

Cllr Summons also highlighted a lack of public engagement event in Pembroke or Pembroke Dock, asking that concerns be fed back to the health board.

A question and answer session will be webcast but the part of the seminar involving working together in small groups of councillors, in a different committee room, will not.

Watch online via the council’s website at 2pm, May 21.