Following the decision taken by the Hywel Dda Health Board to remove the PACU (Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit) from Withybush Hospital, Stephen Crabb MP said,
“I’m deeply disappointed by the decision that has been made by the Health Board which will see the permanent removal of PACU from Withybush Hospital. This is a blow for the many families across Pembrokeshire who will now have no choice but to travel up to Carmarthen to access the health services they need if a child is referred urgently from their GP.”
“First it was the removal of SCUBU and maternity services by Mark Drakeford, the Health Minister before Eluned Morgan, then overnight paediatrics, and more recently the removal of A&E access for children – and now it is PACU.”
He added,
“The feedback that I had from the petition that I ran over the summer with the local community showed that people wanted more - not less children’s services at Withybush. This decision just doesn’t stack up with public opinion on this.”
“I am seeking an urgent meeting with the new interim Heath Board Chief, Prof Philip Kloer, to ask for the justification behind this decision. I want to know why the Health Board believe this is the best option for families in Pembrokeshire.”
“I believe that it will negatively impact families who are already feeling vulnerable that A&E for children has been taken away from them. Not everyone has a vehicle, or the money for fuel to get to Carmarthen, and it will hit those families hardest.”