Health Board invites views after reduction in opening hours sparks public outcry
A PUBLIC consultation on the future of Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit (MIU) has been launched by Hywel Dda University Health Board, following widespread concern over a recent reduction in the unit’s operating hours.
The 12-week consultation, which began this week, comes in the wake of a controversial decision in November 2024 to scale back MIU services at Prince Philip Hospital from 24 hours a day to 8:00am–8:00pm. The Health Board cited recruitment difficulties and safety concerns as reasons for the change.
Community backlash and political pressure
The move has been met with strong opposition from local residents, campaigners and politicians. The Save Our Services Prince Philip Action Network (SOSPPAN) said the decision had “broken a key promise” to maintain 24/7 urgent care access in the area. The group pointed out that over 6,000 people had used the MIU during night-time hours in the previous year alone.
Llanelli MS Lee Waters wrote to Health Board chair Neil Wooding in October, urging the Board to reverse its decision. He warned that closing the MIU overnight could increase pressure on already overstretched emergency departments at Glangwili and Morriston hospitals.
Dame Nia Griffith MP also joined public demonstrations and called on residents to make their voices heard during the consultation process. “This is a vital service for the people of Llanelli,” she said. “We must work together to protect it.”
Consultation options on the table
The Health Board is now seeking public views on four potential options for the future of the service:
- Option 1: Continue with a doctor-led 12-hour service (8:00am–8:00pm).
- Option 2: Extend to a doctor-led 14-hour service.
- Option 3: Introduce a phased return to 24-hour care, starting with 12 hours, moving to 14, then 24 hours as staffing allows.
- Option 4: Redesign as a 14-hour Urgent Care Centre, operating under a Same Day Emergency Care model.
Mark Henwood, Interim Executive Medical Director at Hywel Dda, said the consultation would help shape a long-term plan that is both safe and sustainable.
“We understand how important this service is to the people of Llanelli,” he said. “We want to work together to make the right decision, and your input will be invaluable in helping us get it right.”
Next steps
A series of public meetings and community engagement events will take place over the coming weeks. Full details are available on the Health Board’s website, and residents are encouraged to take part.
A progress report will be presented to the Board in July, with a final decision expected in September.
