AMMAN Valley Hospital could see an expansion of its services following the general election, should one candidate for the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr seat have his way.

Welsh Labour candidate Calum Higgins has outlined proposals for improved services at at the facility should he claim victory in the May general election.

Mr Higgins has earmarked the plans as a key priority of his local manifesto and has already written to Mark Drakeford, the minister for health, and the chief executive of Hywel Dda Health Board Steve Moore to outline the plans and praise the running of the Glanaman hospital.

Mr Higgins has also used his letter to underline the strength of community support for the hospital, which has operated in various forms from the site since 1936.

Mr Higgins has called for the hospital to undertake expanded services such as a minor injuries department and GP services facilities.

In addition, the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Labour Party has launched a petition, available in shops and online for members of the public to sign, calling for greater use of the hospital that will be available in shops and online for members of the public to sign.

“The hospital could be used by many more people if it was invested in and a long term strategy for its use in the community is put forward,” said Mr Higgins.

“The hospital’s strength is its community links.

“That’s why many people would welcome GP services, out-of-hours services, minor operations, and minor injuries services being established at the hospital in the future.

“The facilities are available if the appropriate investment was made with the long-term goal of increasing the hospital’s current services for the community.”

Mr Higgins also said that the advantages of an improved Amman Valley Hospital would cause a ripple effect across the county, with other hospitals witnessing a reduced demand on their services as residents opted to use the local facility.

“The advantages of running more services from Amman Valley Hospital is are that other health services in Hywel Dda Health Board and Abertawe Bro Morganwg Health Board area would see less demand,” he said.

“This would especially be the case with GP services, out-of-hours, and minor injuries services.

“If a flexible GP service was provided from the site, many people would not feel the need to attend accident and emergency departments at Glangwili, Prince Phillip, or Morriston Hospitals.”

Mr Higgins has promised to continue his campaign to improve local health services as a key priority of his election manifesto.