A protest camp has been set up outside a Welsh hospital following a controversial announcement that its minor injury unit will close at night for six months. Prince Philip Hospital will see its 24-hour minor injury unit’s provision halved starting from November 1. The Welsh First Minister informed the Senedd that the health board had challenges recruiting qualified doctors to support the unit, leading to it being managed by emergency nurse practitioners. There were 42 unfilled slots in the rota between February and July, highlighting staffing issues.
Plaid Cymru MS for mid and west Wales, Cefin Campbell, expressed concern and disappointment in Llanelli, a town that lost its A&E services over a decade ago. The closure of the minor injury unit is seen as another blow to healthcare in the area, forcing residents to travel to other hospitals for out-of-hours medical attention. The community is frustrated with the situation, questioning the Welsh Labour Government for failing to address recruitment challenges and budget constraints affecting frontline health services.
Local representatives like Llanelli MS Lee Waters criticised the health board for reneging on promises to maintain overnight care at the minor injuries unit. There are allegations of poor management leading to the inability to recruit GPs, resulting in inadequate staffing levels. This decision has sparked outrage, leading to the establishment of a protest camp outside the hospital. The community feels let down and unheard, with concerns about the impact on patient safety and access to essential healthcare services.
The Welsh First Minister emphasised the health board’s responsibility to ensure safe services and acknowledged the frustrations of the local population. However, the need for qualified staff to handle major healthcare issues remains a priority. While safety concerns are cited as the driving force behind the closure, the community demands transparency, accountability, and better workforce planning to address the healthcare gaps in Llanelli and its surroundings.
The unfolding situation has reignited debates about healthcare provision and decision-making processes, prompting calls for more effective measures to safeguard the well-being of residents. As the protest camp outside the hospital symbolises community resistance and solidarity, the future of healthcare services in Llanelli hangs in the balance, awaiting resolution and meaningful dialogue between stakeholders.