Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price AM have this week met with the Chair and Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board to discuss the ongoing plans to transform clinical services across the region.

The meeting comes after Plaid Cymru representatives in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire held a number of Health Summits with medical professionals working within the NHS to shape their response to the health board's public consultation.

The meeting focused on one of Plaid Cymru's key recommendations – and a position which has subsequently been adopted by Carmarthenshire County Council – which is to focus on the integration of health and social care in order to provide better services within the community and closer to people's homes.

The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr representatives took the opportunity to make the case for retaining beds at Amman Valley Hospital, saying enhanced community services should mean the hospital gets more resources, not fewer.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Price said: "The position I and my Plaid colleagues have taken is quite clear: in order to justify any reconfiguration of services we need to have a clear plan and demonstration of the community-based services working in practice, where the positive impact on primary services can be seen.

"This is the position we once again outlined to the Chair and Chief Executive today who, I'm pleased to say, acknowledge the importance of getting those services right.

"We have yet to see the final proposals which will be presented for the health board to consider, but, whilst saying we are positive and open-minded on the model for better health care, we have been unequivocal in that we will not support any measures which makes accessing quality medical treatment more difficult for the people we represent."

Mr Edwards added: "Given the rurality of our communities, we have to ensure there are a range of services available to patients closer to their homes.

"I was particularly interested in hearing the health board's plans for greater cooperation with the social services departments of the three local authorities in the region.

"A business case has been submitted to the Welsh Government for consideration but, on paper at least, this has the potential to take Hywel Dda one step closer to the aim of a properly integrated health and care service.

"I'm delighted the Chair and Chief Executive also recognised the importance of the resources at Amman Valley Hospital. They have already met with representatives of the local campaign group and have promised to ensure the community will be integral to shaping the future services at the hospital."