P-05-768 Return of 24 hour Consultant led Obstetrics, Paediatrics and SCBU to Withybush –
Correspondence from Petitioner to Committee, 08.05.18

Dr C Overton

Chairman SWAT

8^th May 2018

David Rowlands AC/AM

Chair Petitions Committee

National Assembly for Wales

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff

CF99 1NA

Dear Mr Rowlands

Re Petition P-05-768

I would like to respond to the latest offering from Hywel Dda but really there is no point. It appears that they are expecting the committee to drop this petition because it has become superseded by the new consultation currently underway in Hywel Dda area. I would argue that there is more urgency now than ever before because not only will they be making it much worse for already disadvantaged groups, they will be adding to those groups misery and suffering should option C proceed. I’m sure you are better placed than me to know if there is the odd £200 million available to build a new hospital, as in options A and B, but I doubt it is available which leaves us with option C.

It appears they couldn’t be bothered this time around and just have resent you an old document from 2015 and a routine inspection report from the CHC, a group that is no longer independent of the Health Board, since changes made in approximately 2009 to the role and function of CHCs by Welsh Government.

I implore you to remember why this petition has been submitted. We presented true figures pre and post August 2014 and the audit showed how much worse the perinatal figures have become post service changes which happened in August 2014.  You have a chance to do the right thing and stop any further folly by Hywel Dda and Welsh Government. The people of Pembrokeshire and their babies should matter as much as every other citizen of Wales.

On behalf of the SWAT Team and the people of Pembrokeshire I ask you to stop this madness and reverse the original service changes before any more damage is done. Centralisation works in cities but not in very rural areas.

Regards

Dr Chris Overton

Chairman SWAT