A MINOR injury unit at Amman Valley hospital is desperately needed, according to county councillor Kevin Madge.

The plea was made at a public engagement event in Glanaman community centre last week held by Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The health board is looking to explore how Amman Valley hospital should be developed alongside other health and well-being services in the community.

Cllr Madge said: “The Accident and Emergency departments in Prince Philip and Morriston hospitals are so stretched with at least six to eight hours waiting times.

“If we had a minor injury unit here in the Amman Valley we could help to reduce the strain on these hospitals.”

He added: “If we are not able to have an x-ray machine at the hospital why not use the money that we raised towards providing this service?

“There are many people in the Amman Valley without transport. A service like this in the area would be a huge benefit.

“We have campaigned for the beds at the hospital now the action committee want to see more services in the hospital.”

Cllr Madge, chairman of the hospital action committee, asked the health board to look at the Llandovery hospital model.

“They have excellent facilities there,” he said. “We would like to see a similar model here in the Amman Valley.”