Home > News > Llanelli Star Column…..on the decision to close Llanelli’s MIU overnight for six months

I am firmly opposed to the decision by Hywel Dda Health Board to close the Minor Inuries Unit (MIU) at Prince Philip Hospital at night for six months while they take time to think about its future.

Since that announcement was made, campaigners from SOSPPAN (Save Our Services Prince Philip Action Network) have staged a permanent protest outside the hospital’s entrance. I have spent time over the last week or so, standing alongside them and listening to so many stories of how important the unit is to local families and how vital it is that it remains a 24-hour service, not just a daytime one.

The call to temporarily reduce the opening hours of the MIU and question its long-term presence in Llanelli was made by the Health Board at short notice and without public consultation.  It has not been brought about for financial reasons but by the Health Board’s inability to recruit appropriate personnel and inadequate management of staff absence there.

The move has angered local communities and the manner in which it was confirmed has only served to damage confidence in the Health Board, its processes and the ability for it to be held to account for their delivery of healthcare in Llanelli.

Any reduction to the 24/7 service that the MIU delivers at Prince Philip is unacceptable.  It would leave the biggest town within the Hywel Dda area without cover and put extra pressure on Glangwilli and Morriston.

Along with Lee Waters MS, I have requested that Hywel Dda bosses attend a public meeting here in Llanelli to explain their actions and demonstrate that they are doing everything they can to support the excellent staff there and deliver the MIU that we very much need and deserve.  This is a fight our town cannot afford to lose.