A Llanelli councillor has warned that the town “cannot afford to lose any more” of its healthcare services, as Hywel Dda University Health Board continues its public consultation on proposed changes to nine clinical services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
Sean Rees, Independent County Councillor for Glanymor Ward, said the current direction of travel—centralising services away from Llanelli—would worsen recruitment challenges and increase pressure on Prince Philip Hospital.
“We have lost enough of our services in Llanelli already that we simply cannot afford to lose any more,” he said. “The constant pressures on our NHS are taking their toll, and much of this has gone unnoticed over the years mainly due to the dedication of health staff on the frontline.”
The health board’s Clinical Services Plan consultation, which runs until Monday 22 July 2025, includes proposals to reconfigure critical care, stroke, emergency general surgery, and minor injuries services. Councillor Rees expressed concern over the potential knock-on effects of proposed changes to Bronglais Hospital’s stroke unit, which could see patients from Ceredigion and north Powys transferred to Llanelli for treatment.
“I am concerned to hear of the proposed change to Bronglais Hospital Stroke Services and the future impact this may have on Prince Philip Hospital with a transfer of patients from the Ceredigion area being treated in Llanelli and the additional pressures that such a move could bring.”
The Bronglais proposal would see the stroke unit downgraded to a ‘Treat and Transfer’ model, with patients stabilised locally before being sent to specialist centres in Llanelli or Haverfordwest. Campaigners and clinicians have warned that this could result in four-hour round trips for families and delays in rehabilitation, particularly for rural patients.
Meanwhile, Prince Philip Hospital continues to face staffing shortages, with its intensive care unit unable to admit the most seriously ill patients due to a lack of consultants. Patients requiring level-three care are currently transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, placing further strain on regional services.
The hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) has also been a flashpoint for public concern. In May 2024, the health board agreed to a temporary overnight closure due to staffing pressures, prompting protests and a petition to the Senedd from campaigners who say the move undermines public trust and puts lives at risk.
In April 2025, the board launched a 12-week consultation on four options for the MIU’s future, including full restoration of overnight services, continued temporary closure, or permanent overnight closure. Campaigners from Sosppan (Save Our Services Prince Philip Hospital Action Network) have called for a return to 24-hour care to be reinstated as a formal option.
“Instead of a tick the box exercise, a serious discussion now needs to take place which prioritises both patient care and the needs of staff working in our NHS,” said Councillor Rees.
The health board says the consultation is designed to address service fragility and improve standards, but critics argue that changes are already being implemented before public feedback has been fully considered.
Residents can respond to the consultation via Hywel Dda’s website or attend local drop-in events before the deadline on Monday 22 July 2025.
