AN update on plans being developed for cancer care in the area was provided by Hywel Dda University Health Board recently.

An Oncology Programme Board was established last year to plan a future service model with the aim of more cancer care closer to where people live but it has faced recruitment difficulties and temporary changes have had to be made.

The health board said it is working to address high consultant workloads, to reorganise to allow consultants to specialise in fewer cancer sites and working to improve accommodation where needed in local units at Bronglais and Withybush hospitals.

A full plan is being brought to the Board for consideration at the July 30 meeting.

A consultant brought in from Singleton Hospital temporarily has returned to her main post and until a replacement can be found she will run oncology clinics for breast cancer patients in Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, every other week.

This doesn’t affect patients seeing a breast surgeon or attending chemotherapy clinics, which continue in Withybush Hospital.

Dr Kloer added: “We don’t want people to have to travel for consultant oncology clinics, but equally we won’t move chemotherapy or investigative tests from main hospitals as it is crucial we provide these locally. The long term vision is for oncologists to travel to sites to provide specialist clinics so vulnerable people don’t have to travel.”