A LEAKED document has revealed the “end game” for Withybush Hospital as there are fears 24/7 A&E services are to be cut.

Hywel Dda Health Board has just released a statment saying a solution has been found and the service will remain open.

A document prepared by Dr Iain Roberston-Steele has been revealed online via the Save Withybush Action Team (SWAT) states: “It is no longer possible to sustain a traditional 24/7 A&E service at WGH based on middle grade locums and locum consultants”.

It also says that since the reduction in paediatric services overnight there has been increased pressure on the GP out of hours service and that too is identified as “short staffed and at risk”.

The document states that staffing issues led to the latest crisis in the service, adding a solution needed to be found.

“The current 24/7 model is no longer safely sustainable and will not be sustainable in the future,” it states.

It recommended that the A&E provide 12 hour day time services.

Other services that Withybush should not provide services for patients where further or onward care is required will also include ENT, ophthalmology, urology, palliative care, oncology, paediatrics, gynaecology and other specialist services, according to the document.

“Limiting provision at WGH to those services at WGH which are fully staffed and skilled,” it adds.

SWAT chairman Dr Chris Overton called the news the “end game” for Withybush Hospital.

"As predicted for many years, nothing much will be left,” he added.

The group has raised concerns previously that the knock on effect of services removal will result in changes having to be made at Withybush A&E.

Health Board chairman Bernardine Rees was asked by councillors at Full Council recently if the A&E would remain a 24 hour services seven days a week. She said it would not be closed but did not answer the direct question about opening hours.

At around 7pm this evening a health board spokesman issued a statement from Medical Director Dr Sue Fish.

She said: “We would like to reassure our staff and Pembrokeshire people that the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre at Withybush Hospital remains open 24 hours a day. Following a successful meeting held today with senior clinicians and managers  from across the health board area, we have identified support to maintain this service in the weeks to come and to give us the time to build in a long term solution. We acknowledge the significant recruitment challenges that we,  along with other NHS organisations face, and we have agreed a range of actions that will support the hospital.”