Llanelli AM Keith Davies will raise further concerns with Hywel Dda Health Board this week, as a dark cloud continues to hang over Ward 5 at Prince Philip Hospital.

The Hywel Dda Health Board is due to meet in Aberystwyth on Thursday, where Keith Davies will raise specific concerns over the long term future of the ward to Board Chairman, Chris Martin.

In a question submitted to the Board, Keith Davies asks:

“Can you provide me with an overview of how far advanced the health board’s plans are in closing beds for patients on Ward 5? 

Given that bed occupancy remains at 100%, can you confirm whether or not a risk assessment has been undertaken and if not, are you confident that closing beds will be in the patients interest in providing safe and accessible healthcare to residents in my constituency?”

Labour AM Keith Davies first raised concerns earlier this year, when he was alerted to discussions the Health Board were having with staff over plans to reduce bed capacity. 

Keith Davies AM said:

“I remain concerned that the Health Board is pursuing a bed closure programme at a time when it is also preparing to consult on a much wider set of changes. 

“The Health Board has refused to agree to a public consultation, citing that the bed closures are not a significant change.  I disagree with that view.  Consistently, through the winter and spring, bed capacity has remained at 100%.  Initially clinicians were uncomfortable with such changes hence the agreement of the 16 point closure plan.

“I want reassurances from the Health Board that they have fully thought through their plans by conduction a risk assessment and urge them against any further changes until the wider consultation is complete in the autumn.”

ENDS