As hundreds gather outside the Senedd to protest against plans to downgrade services at Withybush Hospital, Welsh Conservative Assembly Members have called on Carwyn Jones and Welsh Labour to listen to their concerns.
Recently announced changes will see the hospital’s special care baby unit close.
This, despite a previous commitment from Labour’s First Minister that no Welsh hospital would be downgraded.
Welsh Conservatives have long campaigned for core services at Withybush to remain unchanged.
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said:
“Welsh Labour’s endorsement of plans to downgrade Withybush is a catastrophic mistake.
“Expectant mothers must be confident in the knowledge that services are fit for purpose.
“That is now not the case and I wholeheartedly support those who have travelled from Pembrokeshire to make their voices heard.”
Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said:
“The voices of all those who have gathered at the Senedd must be respected and considered by Carwyn Jones and Welsh Labour.
“Their plans to strip Withybush of core services are reckless, unnecessary, and dangerous.
“It will mean much longer travelling distances, and – in immediately life-threatening cases – could pose severe harm to mothers and babies.
“I stand with all those here today and I will continue to fight Labour’s damaging centralising NHS agenda.”
Assembly Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Angela Burns, said:
“Given the gravity of this dangerous and irresponsible decision, it is no surprise to see so many making their way to the Senedd steps.
“Every single voice should be heard by Labour ministers and every single view carefully considered.
“Previous promises not to downgrade hospitals have been left in tatters.
“Carwyn Jones and Welsh Labour carry a heavy responsibility in pursuing this centralising agenda.
“Our fight will continue until this decision is reversed.”
