A TOWN council have hit out at plans to change the way health services are delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and have called for a public meeting to be held.

Cwmaman Town Council are looking to host a meeting for residents across the Amman Valley to have their say on changes at the start of June.

Plans put forward by Hywel Dda could see beds removed from Amman Valley Hospital and the nearest A&E service being based west of St Clears, a possibility branded “unacceptable” by Councillor Kevin Madge.

Speaking at a meeting of Cwmaman Town Council last week, Mr Madge said: “Amman Valley Hospital has been here for 81 years. If it was not for the League of Friends over these 60 or 70 years the hospital would not be there now.

“The biggest thing that worries me in this valley is if the beds go, and the new hospital goes to between St Clears and Narberth, and the A&E goes there as well, we will have to go to Morriston which I understand can’t cope now.

“The problem is if there is not the money to upgrade Morriston then the extra pressure on the services are going to cause them to become overstretched and shabby, and lives are going to be put at risk.”

The council are hoping to secure Ysgol Y Bedol to allow residents from across the valley to have their say on the plans.

As it stands, the health board are only planning to bring one consultation to the area, which will be in Llandybie on May 24.

“That is not a thorough consultation” said Cllr Madge.

“What they are proposing is not good enough. There should be consultations throughout the valley. I would ask that this council hold a public meeting at some point.

“I believe we need to make our voices hear that it is unacceptable to take beds away from Amman Valley Hospital.

“We know where that sort of action will lead us – it will result in Amman Valley Hospital being closed.

“We need to get answers because at the moment I am really worried about the future of Amman Valley Hospital.

“We won’t be able to reverse this decision once it goes through.”