IT may feel like deja vu but the idea of a new hospital between Haverfordwest and Carmarthen has been raised again, over ten years since it was suggested by the then health board.

As Hywel Dda Health Board prepares to make more changes to services in the area – stating that changes need to be made – residents are being urged to have their say.

The current consultation on ‘transforming services’ and mental health provision are drawing to a close and Hywel Dda state there have been a number of surprising suggestions made by those who have already taken part.

One suggestion highlighted by the health board was: “moving services closer to Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, including potentially a new build closer to Pembrokeshire that could change the way services are currently delivered in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.”

A plan first mooted by the then Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust in March 2006, to much objection from the community.

“Over the summer, clinicians and other health professionals have met with staff, partner and third sector organisations and the public to discuss why Hywel Dda UHB can’t continue to run NHS services as they are and hear what changes should be made.

“Now is the time for people to speak up and share their ideas and experiences to help make the NHS in mid and west Wales the best it can be. The deadline to have your voice heard is Friday 15 September,” said a health board spokesman.

The last Pembrokeshire ‘engagement session’ is on Wednesday, September 6 at the Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, 2pm to 7pm. It also coincides with a Transforming Mental Health Services consultation.

Dr Philip Kloer, Medical Director and Director of Clinical Strategy said: “We have a once in a generation opportunity to step back and look at how all our services are provided, hear the views of those who use and work in NHS services and make the changes needed to keep the NHS safe for future generations.

“I’d like to thank everyone so far who has taken the time to attend an event, write us a letter or fill in our survey. We understand that this may not be a new message to most, that you may have heard us say many times in the past that the NHS needs to change. But what is different this time is that we have our doctors and services telling us that if things don’t change, our money and the time and expertise of our staff will be spent on simply maintaining the same services and plugging gaps.

“In the field of medicine we should be investing in new ways of working, modern buildings and giving our staff the time to change the way they work for the benefit of their patients. It is time to move forward and no longer stand still.

“So I’d like to formally invite any Pembrokeshire residents who haven’t yet shared their thoughts to come to Pater Hall and make their voices heard. Now is the time for people to speak up and share their ideas and experiences to help make the NHS in mid and west Wales the best it can be.”