Proposal to change full A&E at Prince Philip Hospital remains despite backlash
Hywel Dda Health Board has released its proposals following a consultation into healthcare in mid and west Wales.
One move which attracted criticism was to turn Llanelli's Prince Philip Hospital's A&E department into a nurse-led "Urgent Care Centre."
Concerns were raised by the public that without a full A&E department patients would have to travel to Bronglais, Glangwili and Withybush Hospital.
Physicians at the hospital also opposed the change on the grounds of "patient safety", saying:
– Physicians at Prince Philip HospitalAs a team of physicians we are not prepared to support a nurse led A & E unit at Prince Philip Hospital as we are not prepared to work outside our area of clinical competence. For these reasons we are totally opposed to the proposed changes for a nurse led A&E on the grounds of patient safety.
The health board says it has "recognised' the concerns of the public and clinicians, however, a document released today shows that the full A&E department will no longer exist and in its place will be a doctor supported, nurse led service that will include a 24/7 assessment and admission service.
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