- 12/12/2013
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
Labour Mid and West Wales Assembly Members Joyce Watson and Rebecca Evans have questioned Hywel Dda Health Board’s decision to close Cardigan Hospital to inpatients.
In a letter to Hywel Dda chairman Chris Martin the AMs ask why the health board did not identify “staffing issues” earlier. They also argue that removing inpatient beds from Cardigan could put extra pressure on nearby district general hospitals.
Here is the letter:
Mr Chris Martin
Chairman, Hywel Dda Health Board
Merlin’s Court,
Winch Lane
HAVERFORDWEST
SA61 1SB
11 December 2013
Dear Chris
We read with interest in the local media that the LHB has closed the beds in Cardigan hospital. It is reported that this is due to staffing issues. We have to ask why this situation has manifested itself and why workplace planning did not identify it before now.
We are only too aware that bed provision in this hospital serves a much wider function in the Hywel Dda area. We believe that patients are transferred to Cardigan hospital for respite and nursing care and that these patients would otherwise occupy bed space in Bronglais, Withybush and Glangwili hospitals that could be used for higher end medical care.
This begs the question as to how this decision has been arrived at and how the Hywel Dda LHB has considered the implications for the above mentioned hospitals.
If the media report is correct it seems that this decision has been made without alternative provision having been made to accommodate the patients.
We look forward to an early response to our questions.
Yours sincerely,
Joyce Watson AM/AC Rebecca Evans AM/AC
