The proposal is due to be discussed by Hywel Dda’s board on Wednesday 26 September.
If approved, this would see the provision of 12-hour daytime service rather than a 24-hour-service, from 1 November 2024 for a period of six months.
The hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit was downgraded to a GP and nurse-led minor injuries unit ten years ago.
Independent and Plaid Cymru Councillors on Llanelli Town and Llanelli Rural
Councils have expressed shock and alarm at the plans.
A joint statement from Cllrs Michael Cranham, Sean Rees, Louvain Roberts, Alex Evans, Sharen Davies, Jason Hart and Terry Davies said: “The urgent care services continue to be depleted. Most in the community agree that the largest town in West Wales should have its own A&E service but now it seems Llanelli will not even have a full-time Minor Injuries Unit.
“While we accept the concerns raised by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales following an unannounced inspection at the hospital last year, for Hywel Dda to decide the best solution to those concerns over patient safety is to cut the service is staggering.
“On behalf of our residents, we must call on Welsh Government and the Welsh Health Minister to step in and stop this proposal by Hywel Dda. We will be proposing formal motions in the coming weeks in the Town and Rural Councils asking them to do the same. Llanelli cannot afford to lose any more health services.”
Hywel Dda insist the temporary measure is needed due to difficulties in finding suitably qualified doctors to cover the nightime provision.
A statement from Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “The proposal to adjust the opening hours of the MIU is being presented due to patient safety concerns, raised both by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales seeking assurances following an inspection in June of last year, and from staff working at the unit. This is due to the frequent inability to find suitably qualified doctors to cover the GP led service, particularly in evening and overnight sessions.
“This has led to the service being led instead by Emergency Nurse Practitioners who, whilst extremely skilled at dealing with minor injuries, are not able to provide suitable care to patients who require a GP.
“Additionally, some patients attending the unit have more complex needs than can be managed by a GP, as they are considered major. This means they need to be stabilised and transferred onwards.
“The urgent need to address this problem has been endorsed by medical staff at the hospital with growing concerns about the safety of the service and the patients it treats.
“While the proposal is being considered, it is important to stress that Prince Philip Hospital continues to provide acute medical care for the local population.”
“If the proposal is endorsed, the health board will run an information and engagement campaign in the community. This will both inform people about what care and treatment is provided from the Minor Injury Unit, and what the temporary opening hours are, and seek to consider what the future of the service could look like.”
