Following a statement made by the Welsh Health Minister in respect of the proposed neonatal and obstetric service changes within the Hywel Dda Health Board area, Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, said:
“I think prospective mothers living in the west of Montgomeryshire will be shocked and concerned by the Minister’s announcement.
“Not only will obstetric and maternity services at Bronglais become midwifery-led but should there be an emergency during labor that requires consultant-led intervention, those expectant mothers will now have to travel to Glangwili in Carmarthen to receive that care.
“That is a significant journey that in a life-threatening case, could pose severe harm to both mother and baby.
“Midwives of course do an amazing job but expectant mothers must be confident in the knowledge that services are fit for purpose and that care for sick and vulnerable babies will be available if the worst happens.
“Travelling any distance lessens survival chances and in a rural Mid Wales, reaching medical attention within the golden hour can make the difference between life and death.
“Many in Montgomeryshire will see this a downgrading of services at Bronglais and I think Welsh Ministers carry a heavy responsibility in pursuing this centralising agenda.
“We now need to have a cast iron guarantee from Welsh Ministers that there will be no reduction in paediatrics or other services at Bronglais Hospital as a result of this announcement.”
