Major issue for our town’s population
IT was really reassuring reading the front page headline and following story of the Carmarthen Journal regarding the future of Glangwili Hospital (Journal, February 16).
A respected Welsh political figure Adam Price MS, the Plaid leader, responded to the concerns of the people of Carmarthenshire – and in particular to the concerns of the people of Carmarthen and areas east, north and north east of the county town. However, I hope that this isn’t too late in the day!
Mr Price related mainly to the possible location of a new “super” hospital between Narberth and St Clears.
However, he quite rightly made the point that an area on the edge of Carmarthen should also be considered and to keep the people of Carmarthen town healthy and safe by keeping them on an apparent list for a site – possibly near Travellers Rest adjacent to the A40.
Only three or four weeks or so ago I had written about my serious concerns to senior staff of the Hywel Dda Health Board and community health council regarding the present proposed “downgrading” of Glangwili Hospital from a general hospital to a community hospital.
However it seems that Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, is to retain its general hospital status while Hywel Dda HB have been more than fully aware in understanding that Prince Philip Hospital is located a short distance from two major hospitals – Morriston and Singleton hospitals in Swansea.
This chaos and political mess isn’t any shortsightedness or responsibility of front line staff or any senior positions of Hywel Dda HB because they have all done their very utmost during Covid.
Where we are today has derived from previous decades of promises, promises and do nothing from the
Welsh Labour-run Senedd and it seems also the sloth-like First Ministers.
This is a major issue for our town’s population. Rather than reducing our NHS services when a local population is quite rapidly increasing, it’s time that those at the helm of the ship should meet with the Senedd’s Health Minister and First Minister and discuss a substantial increase in funding to upgrade our Glangwili General Hospital and act on the lack of vital surgical professional frontline staff.
On a personal level, over the previous years I have regularly presented a specific location for a new hospital in West Carmarthen on land near the Showground off the A40 dual carriageway near Travellers Rest.
This location has the correct strategic potential, it is also a safe travel area and location and should be seriously considered and placed on a “shortlist” that Adam Price MS has referred to.