Tenby hospital minor injuries unit closure protest

Campaigners turn out in support of the Tenby Minor Injuries Unit in Tenby

Campaigners have staged a demonstration to voice their opposition to closing the minor injuries unit at Tenby Cottage Hospital in Pembrokeshire.

About 150 banner-waving protesters turned out to voice their opposition to the closure as part of a shake-up of health services in mid and west Wales.

The shutdown of the unit and another at South Pembrokeshire Hospital has been agreed by Hywel Dda Health Board.

The board has said it wants better, safe and sustainable services.

Officials say the services provided by the units will be transferred to GPs, and staff will be redeployed at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

Mansel Thomas, chair of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network, said the protest was "an expression of sheer disbelief - we just can't understand the reasoning".

He added: "There's a great feeling within the community that this has been an injustice. We'll keep on fighting until we win, hopefully".

Centre of excellence

Earlier this month a special meeting of the health board agreed a series of proposals, including the closure of the special care baby unit at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, with care for newborn babies centralised at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

Mynydd Mawr Community Hospital in Tumble will shut, but an orthopaedic centre of excellence will be created at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. It will also house services transferred from Mynydd Mawr.

Board chief executive Trevor Purt said at the time the changes were agreed that "extensive and lengthy engagement" had been undertaken over the past two years, and recently a formal consultation.

Mr Purt said: "We would like to remind members of the public that any changes approved by the board will be made to ensure improved outcomes for our patients and to secure safe and sustainable services for the future across Hywel Dda.

"We will not compromise on patient care."