This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24213477
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Hywel Dda hospital care review decision due | Hywel Dda hospital care review decision due |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A panel of experts is to give its verdict on controversial plans to shake up hospital services in west Wales. | A panel of experts is to give its verdict on controversial plans to shake up hospital services in west Wales. |
| Patient watchdogs referred Hywel Dda Health Board's plans affecting accident treatment and specialist baby care to the health minister. | |
| Mark Drakeford is due to announce the findings of an independent panel set up to scrutinise the board's plans. | Mark Drakeford is due to announce the findings of an independent panel set up to scrutinise the board's plans. |
| The health board said its changes would help deliver "first class healthcare" but opponents fear service cuts. | The health board said its changes would help deliver "first class healthcare" but opponents fear service cuts. |
| The proposals involve centralising some specialist care for babies at West Wales General Hospital (WWGH) in Carmarthen and changes to accident and emergency care at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. | |
| In April, patient watchdog Hywel Dda Community Health Council (CHC) decided to formally refer those elements of the health board's plans to the Welsh government for a decision. | In April, patient watchdog Hywel Dda Community Health Council (CHC) decided to formally refer those elements of the health board's plans to the Welsh government for a decision. |
| The CHC said it could not support the health board's proposal to develop a nurse-led injury service in Llanelli and recommended an alternative GP or doctor-led model. | The CHC said it could not support the health board's proposal to develop a nurse-led injury service in Llanelli and recommended an alternative GP or doctor-led model. |
| It also announced it was unable to give its backing to the development of a more specialist neonatal unit in Carmarthen - suggesting funding should instead be used to improve a network of special care baby units within the region. | It also announced it was unable to give its backing to the development of a more specialist neonatal unit in Carmarthen - suggesting funding should instead be used to improve a network of special care baby units within the region. |
| The plan to develop neonatal services in WWGH would lead to the closure of such a unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest. | |
| Hywel Dda Health Board argued the changes would help it deliver "first class healthcare services to the local population, now and into the future". | Hywel Dda Health Board argued the changes would help it deliver "first class healthcare services to the local population, now and into the future". |
| Tuesday's announcement will be the latest development in a lengthy process which started long before the health board made final recommendations in January on wide-ranging proposals including: | Tuesday's announcement will be the latest development in a lengthy process which started long before the health board made final recommendations in January on wide-ranging proposals including: |
| But in February, the CHC decided it could not support most of the proposals and referred them to the then health minister Lesley Griffiths for a decision. | But in February, the CHC decided it could not support most of the proposals and referred them to the then health minister Lesley Griffiths for a decision. |
| In one of her last actions as health minister, Ms Griffiths told the CHC in March that its referral did not satisfy Welsh government rules as it had not proposed alternatives. | In one of her last actions as health minister, Ms Griffiths told the CHC in March that its referral did not satisfy Welsh government rules as it had not proposed alternatives. |
| In April the CHC said it could not accept the health board's neonatal and A&E changes and referred those proposals for a second time to the Welsh government. | In April the CHC said it could not accept the health board's neonatal and A&E changes and referred those proposals for a second time to the Welsh government. |
| Meanwhile, the CHC was able to "conditionally accept" the closure of the two minor injuries units and the closure of Mynydd Mawr hospital which are now in the process of being implemented. | Meanwhile, the CHC was able to "conditionally accept" the closure of the two minor injuries units and the closure of Mynydd Mawr hospital which are now in the process of being implemented. |
| In response, the newly appointed health minister Mark Drakeford announced that chief medical officer Dr Ruth Hussey would convene a scrutiny panel to "consider these issues" and "examine all relevant documentation". | In response, the newly appointed health minister Mark Drakeford announced that chief medical officer Dr Ruth Hussey would convene a scrutiny panel to "consider these issues" and "examine all relevant documentation". |
| Mr Drakeford is due to announce the panel's findings on Tuesday afternoon. | Mr Drakeford is due to announce the panel's findings on Tuesday afternoon. |
| In a separate process, the health board's decision to change A&E care provision at Prince Philip Hospital will be subject to a judicial review following a challenge by local campaigners. | In a separate process, the health board's decision to change A&E care provision at Prince Philip Hospital will be subject to a judicial review following a challenge by local campaigners. |
| The hearing will take place in Cardiff in November. | The hearing will take place in Cardiff in November. |