The views of the Pembrokeshire public on Hywel Dda Health Board's controversial shake-up of the NHS in west Wales have now been published.

Earlier this year Hywel Dda held its 'Our Big NHS Change' consultation which came up with three options for healthcare in the future.

But all three options suggested downgrading services at Withybush hospital - sparking outrage and protests from patients and health campaigners.

The hospital's state-of-the-art A&E would have been lost, under the plans.

A 40,000 strong petition against the plans showed the strength of feeling against the plans.

Western Telegraph:

Today (Wednesday), Hywel Dda has published the consultation report following the three month exercise.

It is available here: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/862/Hywel%20Dda%20Consultation%20Final%20Report_29.08.pdf

Unsurprisingly, there was a large call for retention and expansion of current services at Withybush rather than downgrading.

There was also widespread concern about where a new hospital with A&E facilities would be built.

Concerns over increased travel times, road infrastructure and impacts on the ambulance service also came through strongly.

A recommended way forward, led by clinicians, will be presented to the public Health Board on Wednesday September 26 in Carmarthenshire County Council Chambers and webcast.

  • The consultation document is 420 pages long and a further article will be published once more in-depth analysis of the report has been completed.