# Fears Intensify over Future of Withybush Hospital Amidst Service Reorganisation Proposals
Residents and politicians from Pembrokeshire are expressing mounting concern over the future of Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, as Hywel Dda University Health Board moves forward with a public consultation that could see significant service changes at the site. The ongoing debate revolves around the reclassification of nine essential services as ‘critical’, and the possible relocation of these functions to other hospitals within the region.
The health board’s consultation process, which was launched on 29 May and is set to run until the end of August, comes as part of a broader review of healthcare delivery across west Wales. The proposed overhaul includes services such as critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, radiology, stroke care, and urology. Health officials insist that changes are necessary to secure the sustainability and safety of these “fragile” services going forward.
Under the proposals, while accident and emergency (A&E) and minor injury care at Withybush would not change, fears remain that core medical services may be consolidated at other hospitals like Glangwili in Carmarthen. Three potential options for critical care have been outlined: retaining intensive care units at Bronglais and Glangwili, creating upgraded care units at Withybush and Prince Philip hospitals, or transferring patients needing advanced critical care to Glangwili.
Currently, adult emergency general surgery takes place at Withybush alongside Bronglais and Glangwili, but proposed options could see Withybush patients needing surgery sent to Glangwili for operations, only returning to Haverfordwest to recover once they are stabilised. Consultant coverage would rotate between the main hospital sites, rather than Withybush maintaining its existing provision.
The plans have drawn sharp criticism from local politicians. Paul Davies MS, who has consistently advocated for retaining key services at Withybush, described the proposals as the latest in a series of reductions that “must be resisted”. He argued that expecting Pembrokeshire residents to travel further for vital healthcare is “unacceptable”, and called on the Welsh Government to intervene. According to Davies, the community and its hospital deserve sustained investment—not a gradual chipping away of vital services.
Reinforcing these sentiments, Sam Kurtz MS emphasised the ongoing loss felt by the community following the closure of the special care baby unit (SCBU), consultant-led maternity services, and children’s A&E at Withybush in recent years. He warned that further cuts could undermine the viability of the hospital’s remaining departments, particularly the A&E—a move he described as a “red line” for local residents and representatives alike.
Councillor Alistair Cameron added to the chorus of apprehension, raising concerns over the accessibility of services if more treatments are centralised elsewhere. He highlighted the need for a transparent consultation process, urging the health board to ensure that all voices are heard, especially those who may not be able to attend in-person events or access online discussions.
The consultation includes 11 public engagement events across west Wales, as well as digital options for feedback, but stakeholders worry this may not reach those most affected by the changes. Ensuring that all affected parties—especially rural and low-income residents—can air their views will be key to the legitimacy of the process.
Health board officials, meanwhile, contend that no decisions have been made and all avenues remain open. Mark Henwood, medical director for Hywel Dda University Health Board, acknowledged the community’s concerns and stressed that the review aims to provide “safe, high-quality services and affordable healthcare” for the future. He emphasised that patient needs remain central to any forthcoming changes.
As the consultation period progresses, the issue is shaping up to be a major battleground for local campaigners and politicians. The proposed new “super hospital” for west Wales, which has been touted in previous years as a solution, is not expected to come to fruition for at least another decade—adding to the urgency and tension surrounding the future of existing facilities like Withybush.
The community’s unified message to health authorities and the government is unmistakable: they seek reassurance that Withybush Hospital will not only remain open, but that its services will be preserved and properly resourced. With public opinion running high and campaigners promising to keep the issue in the spotlight, the weeks ahead are likely to see intensified debate and calls for action from all sides.