Llanelli AM Keith Davies has written to the Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths following the publication of figures by the Local Health Board that show A&E breaches at Prince Philip Hospital are soaring.

Statistics provided the Hywel Dda Health Board at their most recent full board meeting indicate that the numbers of breaches reported at the Llanelli hospital have risen since Christmas.

During the same period, 4 hour breaches at Glangwili have significantly reduced at the same time.

Keith Davies AM has now written to his Labour colleague, Lesley Griffiths to ask her to raise the issue with health bosses at Hywel Dda.

In his letter, he wrote:

“Throughout 2011, the ‘Accident and Emergency’ department as it is called at Prince Philip Hospital performed well against the 95% target.   Just 176 breaches in the 4 hour A&E time were reported in December 2011, increasing to 371 in April 2012. 

I acknowledge that the LHB has direct responsibility for the day to day management of this department, but when I consider that all other of the A&E departments have seen improvements, I have to raise concerns with you regarding the operation of this facility.   Constituents have already raised concerns with me that resources are being shifted from Prince Philip Hospital to Glangwili.  There is a risk that this will distort the performance of one hospital in favour of another.”

Keith Davies AM said:

“I want assurances from the Minister that the LHB takes this matter seriously.  Regardless of what the A&E department is actually called, an A&E by the townspeople or a Minor Injuries Unit by the Health Board, patients must be treated within an appropriate time. 

“Standards are slipping at Prince Philip Hospital and it is unacceptable.  I expect urgent remedial action and fast, otherwise we risk an A&E Crisis in Llanelli.  Prince Philip Hospital has a good track record of meeting targets on 4 hour performance, but I fear that resources are being redirected to Carmarthen to show improvements there. 

“Unlike other areas within Hywel Dda, Llanelli, because of our industrial past has a higher rate of associated illnesses.  Hywel Dda need to consider these fully and redirect resources to better manage health of Llanelli residents.  Health bosses must tackle the perceived health inequalities across the whole area. Frankly, it is unacceptable that improvements are made in one area and not another.”

ENDS