Alarm over plans to cut hospital beds

Reports of a proposed ward closure at Prince Philip Hospital will knock the public's confidence in the Health Board's current engagement process according to Llanelli AM Keith Davies and MP Nia Griffith.

According to sources, Staff on the Hospital's 'Ward 5' were told late yesterday afternoon that a two week consultation process would take place before any final decision over the future of the 20 bed facility be made.

In a message from the Health Board, a staff meeting would take place this morning (Tuesday) before they would make any official comment.

Keith Davies AM said:

"There is already a great deal of anxiety in Llanelli about the future of Prince Philip Hospital. What appears to be a snap decision by the Health Board will fuel those concerns not only amongst patients but also for the hard working staff members.

"I will ask that this issue and that of the proposed changes to the accident and emergency department at Prince Philip be discussed at the Community Health Council meeting later today. I have also written to the Minister for Health to keep her fully informed of the decisions the Local Health Board is taking."

Nia Griffith MP said:

"I am very alarmed to hear this news. Two weeks consultation seems like nonsense to me. We need serious straight talking about the hospital, and the services needed by Llanelli patients. Why on earth is all this taking place when we are entering a period of consultation about hospital services? I will be seeking further information from the health board and raising my concerns."

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