Plans to downgrade full time paediatric services at Withybush hospital to a 12 hour model have been condemned by local Assembly Member Paul Davies.

The facilities at Withybush would be designed for testing and assessment during the day before discharge or transfer to Glangwili, the only hospital which will retain a 24 hour paediatric inpatient service, if a child needs to be admitted.

Mr Davies said: “This is yet another devastating blow for the people of Pembrokeshire. These plans to downgrade services are not wanted by clinicians or by the public. Removing services from Withybush Hospital remains a reckless and irresponsible way forward and will put lives at risk.

“The Minister made assurances that Withybush Hospital would continue to serve its local population and have a secure and significant place in Pembrokeshire’s health service. This latest announcement flies in the face of that as the people of Pembrokeshire are watching services being cut from Withybush hospital.

“I urge the Minister to intervene now and stop these dangerous plans from going ahead.”