Llandovery hospital to remain open say health board
Although the health board confirmed the hospital will remain open, many feel services have steadily declined. Mickey Gough, Chairman of the League of Friends in Llandovery, highlighted a key issue: 'We raised a quarter of a million pounds through donations to buy an X-ray machine for the hospital, but it is currently not in use.'
Mr Gough believes there is a lack of provision for older people at Llandovery Hospital. (Image: Google Maps)
The community-donated X-ray machine is now considered limited due to technological advances, and the health board has indicated that if X-ray services are to continue in Llandovery, the machine would need replacing.
Currently, X-ray services are offered one day a week by a visiting member of staff, but some patients still have to travel to larger hospitals for imaging that the outdated machine cannot provide.
Mr Gough also expressed concern about the impact on older residents, many of whom must travel further afield for care.
Following the consultation, the health board acknowledged the challenges in radiology services, noting long wait times and staffing difficulties. They proposed that X-ray provision could be shifted to larger hospitals in Carmarthen and Llanelli.
Mr Henwood said: 'Thank you to everyone who came to talk to us in Llandovery on 17 July – it was great to meet so many people who care deeply about Llandovery Hospital and our NHS. The proposed options included in the Clinical Services Plan seek to deal with fragilities in our radiology services particularly, but we are consulting with our communities to learn more, to listen to potential impacts and also to hear and consider new ideas or alternative options from people.
'There are no plans or decisions ongoing about closing Llandovery Hospital, which was a concern put to us by many people in the community at our recent event.
'Llandovery hospital is a hub for our community, and we have heard the passion the community has for local services very clearly at our recent event. We are extremely grateful to the League of Friends and the community for their continued support of the hospital and our staff. The hospital is still open and providing a range of services from the ward and palliative, end-of-life care, to the range of services offered through clinics. We are grateful to our committed and compassionate staff who work there, in the community, and primary care locally.'
Clinics that are currently run from Llandovery Hospital include:
People can share their views on what is important to live a healthy life by visiting https://www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk/our-strategy. The health board will also come back to Llandovery, and other communities, to discuss this with the local people in the autumn.
Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer for the Health Board added: 'Whilst the broader potential of the hospital and its future is not part of the current consultation into clinical services, we would value continued discussions with our community about the hospital and community-based care, especially as we are also engaging on a review of our Healthier Mid and West Wales strategy.'
The League of Friends continues to invest in the hospital, having recently funded a new kitchen for nursing staff.
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