- 07/08/2015
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
A local Assembly Member will seek urgent assurances about local health services when she meets the Health Board CEO soon.
Joyce Watson AM will meet Steve Moore, chief executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, later this month.
Local health services will change this week because of a shortage of junior medical doctors until the end of the year.
Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) have announced that there will be less medical doctors available at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, between now and the end of the year, after some recruitment challenges. The Board has recruited international doctors who will join the staff across this period.
UHB are putting temporary solutions in place, involving providing additional capacity and beds at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, and Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, and shifting both hospital’s patient boundaries further west, with hospitals and community services across the south of Hywel Dda University Health Board area supporting each other.
The Board says that GP referrals and appropriate Welsh Ambulance Service Trust responses from Carmarthen East and the Gwendraeth Valley will take patients to Prince Philip Hospital, and likewise those from Narberth, Kilgetty, Tenby and Saundersfoot areas will go to Glangwili Hospital.
Mid and West Wales AM Mrs. Watson, who lives in Haverfordwest, said: “When I meet the CEO of the local health board, we will see what impact this shortage of doctors is having.
“The Board has released detailed plans for this time, but the proof will be in the day to day services delivered.
“I am pleased that staff at all levels were involved with drawing up these plans, and I know that staff and partners including GPs, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and authorities will be working hard to maintain a service at this difficult time.
“Local people can play their part to take the strain off emergency services by choosing the best healthcare service for their needs. The national Choose Well guidance can help – www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell.
“If people have concerns about their services, I am happy to raise them at my meeting.”