Emotions were running high as around 160 people met in Haverforwest tonight to find out what they could do to try and save services potentially under threat at Withybush Hospital.

A public meeting, organised by members of SWAT and the Save Essential Services Facebok group, heard personal stories from people fearful that midwife, obstetric, paediatric, special care and 24 hour A&E cover could be lost from Pembrokeshire's district general hospital in the near future.

The meeting was told that the option of judicial review was a step closer as a suitable candidate for legal aid had come forward and, although not confirmed yet, it was likely that an application for permission for a review could be made.

Hywel Dda Health Board maintains that no decisions have been made but there are significant concerns that a lack of non-trainee doctors in paediatrics will not be addressed resulting in a knock on effect on other services.

A vote of no confidence in the health board management was tabled by a member of the audience and was backed by a unanimous vote.

SWAT chairman Chris Overton urged people to write to the health board, health minister Mark Drakeford and the post graduate deanery to make clear that a loss of such essential services will result in 'no safe services for the people of Pembrokeshire'.

See the full story in next week's Western Telegraph.