Concerns grow over emergency surgery and stroke care proposals in west Wales

LOCAL Senedd Members have called on the Welsh Government to intervene urgently amid fears that key services could be removed from Withybush Hospital.

Paul Davies MS and Samuel Kurtz MS have written jointly to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care following last week’s meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board, where proposals affecting Withybush and Bronglais hospitals were discussed.

The politicians warned that removing emergency general surgery and stroke services from Withybush could have serious consequences for patients across Pembrokeshire and the wider west Wales region.

In their letter, they said the plans could significantly increase travel times for critically ill patients, place further pressure on ambulance services and risk widening health inequalities in rural communities.

They also raised concerns that stripping back core acute services could threaten the long-term viability of the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department.

Stroke treatment was highlighted as a particular concern because outcomes are highly time-dependent, with delays potentially leading to life-changing consequences for patients.

The MSs also pointed to uncertainty surrounding proposed changes at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, warning that communities across mid and west Wales were already facing geographic barriers to accessing urgent care.

They have formally called on the Welsh Government to step in to ensure services remain at both hospitals.

Samuel Kurtz said the issue had caused “deep concern” locally, adding that rural communities deserved safe and equitable access to emergency healthcare.

Health Board response

Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously said the changes are being considered because some services are “fragile and in need of change,” with workforce pressures, recruitment challenges and increasing demand affecting sustainability.

Following its extraordinary meeting on February 19, the Board confirmed that no immediate changes would take place and that services would continue as normal while detailed implementation plans are developed.

Mark Henwood, the Board’s Executive Medical Director, said: “I would like to reassure members of our community that our services remain safe, but are fragile and need to improve to provide the best patient outcome and experience.

“No immediate changes will take place because of the decisions we made as a Board today… patients should attend their appointments as usual.”

The Health Board has also said changes would likely be introduced in phases over several years and that further engagement is planned, particularly around stroke services, before any final decisions are made.

Longstanding concerns

The latest intervention from politicians comes amid longstanding public concern in Pembrokeshire over the future of services at Withybush, with campaigners repeatedly warning that downgrades could lead to longer journeys to hospitals such as Glangwili in Carmarthen or Morriston in Swansea.

The Herald has approached the Welsh Government for comment.

THE STATE of the NHS in Wales came under renewed political pressure on Tuesday (Feb 24) after the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of allowing hospitals to fall into “managed decline” following nearly three decades of Labour rule.

During First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd, Darren Millar MS said the health service across Wales was “quite literally crumbling”, citing pressures on hospital infrastructure, long waiting times and concerns about service changes affecting patients in west Wales.

He warned that proposed changes to emergency surgery and stroke services at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth could force patients to travel further for urgent treatment.

Millar also highlighted performance pressures elsewhere in Wales, including long waits in emergency departments in north Wales and reports of deteriorating conditions at major hospitals in Cardiff.

Commenting after the session, Mr Millar said: “After twenty-seven years of mismanagement and Labour budget deals with Plaid and the Lib Dems, the Welsh NHS estate is quite literally crumbling.

“From Withybush to Glan Clwyd and even the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, patients are facing delays, understaffed wards, and hospitals in disrepair.

“The Welsh Government must step in now and intervene to stop these reckless cuts to emergency surgery and stroke services in west Wales before lives are jeopardised.”

The Welsh Conservatives say they would declare a health emergency and prioritise reducing waiting times if elected to government.

Concerns about the future of services at Withybush Hospital have been ongoing, with campaigners and local politicians previously warning about the impact of centralising specialist care away from rural areas.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said the NHS in Wales continues to face significant pressures but investment is being made to improve services, reduce waiting lists and modernise hospital facilities.

They added that decisions about local services are made by health boards based on clinical evidence and patient safety.

Case highlighted by The Herald prompts political intervention and treatment breakthrough

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who endured more than two years of severe dental pain has finally received the urgent treatment he needed following a campaign involving family appeals, community support, media coverage and political intervention.

The Herald previously reported in December on the case of Robert Probert, aged 51, who is severely disabled, non-verbal and relies entirely on his 80-year-old mother for care. At the time, his brother Alfie said Robert was “wasting away in agony” after being unable to access specialist dental treatment.

The case first gained attention after an emotional social media appeal from the family was widely shared across Pembrokeshire, prompting strong public reaction and calls for urgent action.

Following that publicity, local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz became involved, with his office contacting the family and raising concerns with the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board. He also referenced the case during proceedings in the Senedd while pressing ministers on access to dental care.

Robert has now undergone treatment at the Day Surgery Unit at Bridgend Hospital and is recovering safely.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “This is a welcome and much-needed outcome. While we are relieved that Robert has now received the care he urgently needed, this case highlights the challenges vulnerable adults face in accessing essential healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire. No one should be left in pain for years.”

The case has renewed concerns about waiting times for specialist dental services in west Wales, particularly for patients with complex needs who often require hospital-based treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic.

It remains unclear whether Robert’s treatment had already been scheduled prior to political intervention, but the family say they are relieved that he has now received the care he urgently needed.