27/4/07

Evidence?

We have been criticized for the past wording in pamphlets handed out and accused yet again of scaremongering and invention.

In recent newspaper articles a labour spokesman said that “SWAT had been offered many opportunities to talk with local AMs and Brian Gibbons”.

We recollect requesting many meetings with Brian Gibbons and 3 were agreed to, one at very last minute.
And “ It is a shame that the decencies of debate that were afforded to the group were not reciprocated”.

In fact there was very little debate at first meeting and our representatives were talked at and given the impression they were paid lip service only. The second was with civil servants and not productive. To be fair the last meeting at the all Wales demo after Options 1&2 were rejected more attention was paid.

One question being asked is where is the evidence?
We agree we have no more concrete evidence than Labour has given that the hospital will not be downgraded. They point to the new A&E department and MRI scanner as proof.
The fact is they were in the pipeline before options 1 & 2 were rejected and although approved afterwards we have to remember that Designed to Deliver is a 10 year plan. As the old A&E was condemned we had to have a new one or nothing at all for 10 years.

When consultants were asked what size bed unit needed to be attached they said 10 to 12, 15 at most. This was assuming a fully working district general hospital where a patient comes in, is treated and sent home, or if further treatment necessitates staying in would be transferred to a general hospital ward.

The fact that a 25 bed unit is being built could mean it is going to be an assessment and stabilisation A & E unit.  These extra beds would then be needed as a holding pen until ambulances could be found to transfer patients further east. This is what has happened in some other areas and does not appear to work.

The MRI scanner will be needed for GP diagnosis if the hospital is downgraded.

We have never heard these points denied.
They point to a further £39 million to be spent but no approval has been given as it is only in the bid stage and will be approved or refused after the election.

So with no “evidence” why are we worried,

• Labour using above as evidence of no downgrading when it is not.
• We were accused of scaremongering at start (by everyone from the first minister down) and subsequently proved right. This does not inspire trust.
• We were promised an independent chairman of the new forum and got Bruce Ferguson in spite of official protest from the Community Health Council.
• Basically the new forum will consist of the same people have gave us options 1 & 2
• Rehabilitation unit attached to Ward 14 being moved to three locations outside hospital
• No categorical statement that all current acute services will stay
• The merger of 3 counties trusts into one Dyfed Trust against the wishes of the majority of Pembrokeshire with no evidence of financial savings and potential of even worse mis-managent.

Is there not a pattern developing? Are we wrong to be worried?

Can we lay another accusation to rest. WE ARE NOT PARTY POLITICAL. We do not support ANY ONE political party but will accept assistance from all.
The Conservatives have handed out our leaflets for weeks because they offered to. The Lib Dems have used a picture on front of their leaflet which they took at the Assembly demonstration showing one of our members (who is not a party supporter) and our banner. This was done during general photo taking with no idea it would be used on leaflet.
Plaid Cymru have used Save Withybush Hospital as their campaign banner without our knowledge (but with no objection or legal reason for us to want to prevent) and have also just offered to hand out our leaflets.
In interest of fairness a Labour AM was asked if they wanted to distribute our leaflets but declined
Whatever party or coalition is in power if they try to downgrade our hospital, we will still be fighting and will carry on until we win.
We make no apology for any party using Withybush in their election campaign, the fact they did so shows we can make a difference if we stand up and shout long and hard when things are not right.