Warning that changes to one Welsh hospital would affect patients 'from Carmarthen to Bangor'
Ysbyty Bronglais in Aberystwyth has been described as 'absolutely central to the hospital map of Wales'
Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Two high-ranking councillors from Ceredigion are urging the Welsh Government to consider the impact of potential changes to services at Bronglais on patients across three health boards in central Wales. In May Hywel Dda University Health Board initiated a public consultation, which will run until August 31, regarding potential alterations to service provision across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire.
This comes after nine key services were classified as 'critical' with the board stating that urgent reorganisation is necessary. The services identified weree critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, radiology, stroke, and urology.
There will be no changes to how individuals access emergency care (A&E) or minor injury care. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
This has sparked concerns that some services currently offered at Bronglais could be downgraded. One of the many options being considered includes downgrading stroke services at the hospital to a 'treat and transfer' model resulting in reduced services in Ceredigion.
In neighbouring Pembrokeshire there are fears that patients at Withybush Hospital could be moved to other hospitals in the health board area due to a potential reduction in intensive care service.
A petition about the potential changes at Bronglais has been launched and has already garnered nearly 11,000 signatures. Petitions that attract 10,000 signatures will be considered for a debate in the Senedd.
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Ceredigion councillors Bryan Davies and Alun Williams are calling for the Welsh Government to intervene in discussions about potential changes proposed by Hywel Dda.
Cllr Bryan Davies, leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: "We understand why Hywel Dda health board may consider centralising services given the recruitment and financial challenges it faces.
"But why should patients from Ceredigion, Powys, and Meirionnydd have to travel to south Wales for services, when there is sufficient demand for those services closer to home?
"It has already been acknowledged that the stroke services at Bronglais are of excellent quality so why not make Bronglais a centre for excellence?"
Cllr Alun Williams, deputy leader and cabinet member for through age and wellbeing, added: "In Ceredigion we have an ageing population coupled with one of the highest life expectancies in Wales.
"With stroke being most common in people over 65 years old we clearly need to maintain the current level of care we already have in Bronglais.
"Ysbyty Bronglais is the only district general hospital between Carmarthen and Bangor and is absolutely central to the hospital map of Wales.
"As the strategic body for health in Wales the Welsh Government has to take responsibility and not leave these important decisions to beleaguered health boards."
In June Cllr Williams' motion calling for Ceredigion council to support campaigners fighting potential cuts to hospital services at the county's main hospital received backing.
During the May health board meeting medical director Mark Henwood said: "No decisions have been made on the options presented and there are currently no preferred solutions.
"The changes we are looking to make are to ensure we have safe, high-quality services and affordable healthcare in the future and have at their heart the best interests of the people of west Wales and their patient experience."
After the consultation concludes the proposals will undergo further discussion at an upcoming health board meeting anticipated for November this year.
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