Nine services under review as Health Board seeks public views ahead of major shake-up
A MAJOR consultation on the future of NHS clinical services in Pembrokeshire has been launched by Hywel Dda University Health Board, with residents being urged to have their say before proposals are finalised later this year.
The wide-reaching consultation, announced on Thursday (May 29), focuses on nine hospital-based services across west Wales: critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, radiology, stroke, and urology.
The board says the review is essential to tackle what it calls 'service fragilities,' reduce waiting times, and improve standards across the region's health services. But the consultation could lead to significant changes in how and where care is delivered—raising concerns among some patients and campaigners in Pembrokeshire about future access to treatment.
No changes to emergency departments or minor injury units are being proposed as part of this review. A separate consultation is ongoing regarding minor injuries care at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli.
Public drop-in events have been scheduled across the region, with two key sessions in Pembrokeshire: one at HaverHub, Haverfordwest on Thursday 27 June (2:00pm–7:00pm) and another at Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 10 July (3:00pm–6:00pm). A further event will take place at Tenby Leisure Centre on 4 July.
Medical Director Mr Mark Henwood said the consultation is an important opportunity for residents to help shape the future of healthcare delivery in the county and beyond.
'No decisions have been made on the options presented, and there are currently no preferred solutions,' Mr Henwood said. 'We want to hear from staff, patients and the wider public about what they believe is the best way to secure safe, high-quality and affordable care for the people of west Wales.'
'We are especially keen to hear about any concerns, potential impacts, or alternative ideas that people may have. Your insights will help us make informed decisions that put patients' needs first.'
The consultation will run until Saturday 31 August 2025. Feedback can be submitted via an online questionnaire, or by attending in-person or virtual engagement events. Full details, including the consultation documents and summaries of each proposed option, are available on the health board's website at:
https://hduhb.nhs.wales/clinical-services-consultation
The Health Board says it will review all responses, as well as supporting evidence and clinical data, before any decisions are taken at a board meeting expected to take place in November 2025.
The services under consultation are all areas facing significant pressure, long waiting times, or staffing challenges. The board's aim is to ensure long-term sustainability and equitable access—but the public's role in shaping that vision is, it says, vital.
Public consultation events in Pembrokeshire:
27 June 2025 – HaverHub, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG, 2:00pm–7:00pm
– HaverHub, Haverfordwest, SA61 1BG, 2:00pm–7:00pm 4 July 2025 – Tenby Leisure Centre, SA70 8DU, 2:00pm–7:00pm
– Tenby Leisure Centre, SA70 8DU, 2:00pm–7:00pm 10 July 2025 – Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DD, 3:00pm–6:00pm
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