PEOPLE in mid Wales have been urged to take part in a health board consultation exercise, which ends this week, to ensure Bronglais Hospital and its services are protected.

While options for the future of services across Hywel Dda do not threaten Bronglais directly, local residents have been warned to be vigilant and respond to health chiefs by tomorrow (12 July).

The main proposals involve the downgrading of Withybush Hospital in Pembrokeshire and the removal of some services, and possible downgrading of Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen as part of a new district general hospital between the two locations.

But because none of the options propose downgrading Bronglais or loss of services in Aberystwyth, the reaction in Ceredigion has been more relaxed than in Pembrokeshire or Carmarthenshire.

Russell Jones, the former chair of the Probus Club in Aberystwyth, is so concerned by the poor response, he has collected a large number of consultation forms to be distributed.

Mr Jones said: “The response in Ceredigion has been quite low compared to Pembrokshire and Carmarthenshire.

“I don’t know if there will be a change in the recommendations because of the limp response from Ceredigion.

“Residents in Ceredigion really do need to respond to the consultation.”

Consultation papers and questionnaires are available on the Hywel Dda website or by contacting the health board directly.

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