Llanelli marches to save hospital


Gareth Bromhall, Llanelli and West Wales Socialist Party

Around 300 trade unionists, health workers, medical professionals and community campaigners marched through Llanelli to oppose the proposed closures at Prince Philip Hospital (PPH).

The march and rally, organised by Llanelli Trades Council, became the lead story on the Welsh news. The mood was one of outrage and determination to fight the proposals of the Hywel Dda Health Board throughout the West Wales area.

Speakers included a representative from local campaigning group SOSPPAN and a former consultant at PPH.

Local trade unionists and Socialist Party members outlined how the proposed closures at PPH had wider implications on jobs and services throughout Wales and raised the need for a properly funded and democratically-run NHS.

A reported 500 people attended a meeting in Aberystwyth over concerns that Bronglais Hospital could see its services downgraded and transferred to Carmarthen. This follows a letter of ‘no confidence’ signed by 50 out of 60 senior medical staff, which was sent to the health board and health minister.

We need a united campaign in Llanelli, Aberystwyth, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen to fight any attempts at cutting services in the Hywel Dda area.