Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Simon Thomas has greeted the gradual re-introduction of medical beds at Withybush Hospital cautiously.

The medical beds for unscheduled medical care were temporarily reduced last August for patients in the east of Pembrokeshire.

Mid and West AM for the Party of Wales Simon Thomas said: “Plaid Cymru has called for the return of beds at Withybush. I’m pleased there are now additional beds during the past fortnight to meet patient demand. I will continue to scrutinise Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Welsh Government to ensure the best service is available for people living in Pembrokeshire. We deserve nothing less. I will be pressing for the permanent re-introduction of the beds.

“This will enable Withybush to return to the receiving hospital for unscheduled medical care patients from GP and blue light calls in Tenby, Saundersfoot, Kilgetty and Narberth areas.

“Plaid Cymru secured in a budget deal about £8m for the Intermediate Care Fund for the mid and west region, so therefore I’m pleased to hear it has supported measures including funding for transfers and local level support for Pembrokeshire residents through Pembrokeshire Intermediate Voluntary Organisations Team and commission the Pembrokeshire Care and Repair service to provide rapid aids and adaptation in people’s own homes.

“The fund was designed to improve some of the problems within the emergency care system by providing alternatives to hospitalisation and support independent living.

“The money announced by the health board for GP clusters to develop services to meet local needs is also welcome. I will be holding a public meeting in the next few weeks to discuss GP services in Tenby and I would encourage members of the public to come along.”

The public meeting on GPs takes place at 6 pm on December 17 at the Catholic Church House, St Florence Parade, Tenby.