Hywel Dda University Health Board is set to begin a six-week engagement exercise starting August 17, 2026, on proposed changes to obstetric services.
The plan is to get the views of service users, staff, and stakeholders on changes affecting care currently provided through a service agreement with Swansea Bay University Health Board at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli.
The engagement exercise follows an agreement between the two health boards to end the existing service model, which allows Hywel Dda residents to receive consultant-led maternity care in Swansea with some antenatal appointments delivered closer to home.
Reviews identified challenges with the current hybrid approach, particularly around differences in clinical guidelines, policies and governance arrangements between the two organisations.
Sharon Daniel, director of nursing, quality and patient experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: "The safety and quality of care for pregnant women and people and babies must always be our primary consideration.
"The current arrangement has enabled people from our area to access consultant-led maternity services in Swansea while attending some appointments closer to home.
"However, reviews undertaken by both health boards have highlighted that operating across two organisations with different clinical and governance frameworks can create challenges.
"The engagement process will help us better understand any impact of the changes and ensure that feedback from service users, staff and stakeholders is considered as we plan the implementation of the new ways of working.
"Providing the highest quality service to our families continues to be our priority."
Under the proposed changes, residents who choose to give birth at Singleton Hospital would receive consultant-led antenatal care in Swansea.
Those not requiring consultant oversight would continue to receive community midwifery care from Hywel Dda.
The current satellite clinic at Prince Philip Hospital would be replaced by a Hywel Dda-led obstetric clinic.
The service agreement is set to end on December 9, 2026, following formal notification from Swansea Bay University Health Board on June 6, 2026.
This date is subject to the completion of the public engagement process.
Full details of the engagement process and how to take part will be made available before the start of the engagement period.
