OUR Health Minister, following the advice of the Scrutiny Panel appointed by himself, has decided to impose on Pembrokeshire the Powys maternity model, that is an isolated midwifery unit with no SCBU or consultant obstetric help in the county.

In his statement on January 21 he held up the Powys birth centres as a shining example of safe practice that we should follow.

Unfortunately, neither the Scrutiny Panel nor the Minister were aware of the bigger picture. That is, notwithstanding the no doubt good performance of the Powys midwives, overall Powys has a poor record of stillbirths – it has persistently high rates in comparison with the Welsh average. This is despite an exceptionally low level of a factor which correlates with stillbirth rates - social deprivation.

That predicts a low stillbirth rate, not a high one.

Furthermore, Hywel Dda and Pembrokeshire in particular have especially low stillbirth rates when compared with the Welsh average.

Without investigating and dealing with the causes, there is every reason to suppose that the Powys model would inflict higher rates on Pembrokeshire.

So – those of you waving flags at the Assembly on March 5 – you were right, and should continue to do so, and encourage your friends to do so too. The Scrutiny Panel and the Minister have made a decision based on inadequate information, that is premature.

He should now reverse the decision and command, definitively and publicly, the Health Board to cease its behind-the-scenes downgrading immediately. Full services must be maintained at Withybush.

PETER MILEWSKI

Retired Consultant Surgeon

Pembrokeshire Health Concern