Promise made over Neath Port Talbot hospital’s future
9 March 2010
BETHAN Jenkins AM has been told that there are no plans to downgrade services at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
The South Wales West Plaid Cymru AM met with David Sissling, chief executive of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust, following concerns over the future of the pre-discharge ward.
Mr Sissling pledged that the seven-year-old hospital at Baglan was very much a part of an ongoing reorganisation that would put its four hospitals at the hub of its services.
Bethan said: “The chief executive was good enough to admit that the Trust’s plans to move more services closer the community had not been handled well and had contributed to a feeling of unease among staff at the hospital.
“But he emphasised what a fantastic facility the hospital provided for the Trust, and that it made no sense – service provision-wise or financially – to discontinue its use in any meaningful way. He also promised that he and his staff will take greater care to consult with staff and patients before and during changes.”
Bethan has also raised the issue with Edwina Hart AM. The health minister said she is planning to meet with the chairs of all the local health boards in Wales, and will update AMs afterwards.
Mr Sissling has invited Bethan and fellow Plaid AM Dai Lloyd back to discuss further the Trust’s ongoing programme of reorganisation this month.
