HYWEL Dda Health Board's controversial decision to downgrade Withybush Hospital should be called-in by the local patients' watchdog, a county Assembly Member says.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies has written to Hywel Dda Community Health Council (CHC) to call in the Health board’s proposals which would see A&E and other services removed from Withybush Hospital and a new hospital built somewhere between Narberth and St Clears.

There is currently no timescale or budget for a new hospital.

Hywel Dda CHC serves as an independent statutory organisation which represents the interests of patients and has the authority to refer the health’s board’s plans to the Welsh Government for a final decision before services are centralised.

In his letter to the CHC, Mr Davies said he thought the proposals would be "disastrous" for his constituents.

He added: "The Health Board have ignored the fact that many people who live to the west, north and south of Haverfordwest already have a lengthy journey to reach Withybush Hospital. However, the additional journey from Haverfordwest to this proposed new hospital will in my view put people's lives at risk."

Mr Davies, who has recently become the leader of the Conservative group on the Assembly, said the fact that local populations swell dramatically during the holiday season should also be taken into account.

He also hit out at the 'consultation' process which gave no option other than downgrading Withybush.

Mr Davies said: "The people of Pembrokeshire were not given a choice from the outset. This is both unfair and totally unacceptable and certainly cannot be called an open, transparent and democratic process or decision in anyway."

Mr Davies told the Western Telegraph: “It’s absolutely clear that the Health Board’s proposals do not carry the support of local people and as such, it’s crucial that the local Community Health Council intervene and ensures that the patient’s voice is fully represented.

"The impact of these proposals on the people of Pembrokeshire simply cannot be ignored and the local Community Health Council must now ensure that the patient’s voice is heard and respected. I look forward to receiving a response from the CHC and working with them to see services protected now and for the future at Withybush Hospital.”