Ceredigion AM Elin Jones has demanded that Hywel Dda Health Board comes clean on letters that have been sent to many expectant mothers in Ceredigion.

The letters contain information about centralisation of consultant led maternity services to Carmarthen and the downgrading of Withybush Hospital at Haverfordwest, but are very vague on the situation in Ceredigion.

While a report commissioned by Health Board management has raised fears that Bronglais’s maternity unit may in future be midwife-led, the Health Minister has stated that any changes would be put on hold, pending the independent review into the future of the NHS in mid-Wales, led by Professor Marcus Longley.

Elin Jones, the local AM who is also Plaid Cymru shadow health spokesperson, said,

“A number of expectant mothers in Ceredigion have now received letters which have left them very concerned and confused about the future of maternity services at Bronglais. This is a wholly unacceptable situation.

“While the Health Board has issued a press release confirming the Minister’s assurance that any changes are on hold pending Marcus Longley’s research, the way it has communicated with people has been the cause of great anxiety.

“I have asked senior management at the Health Board to clarify whether these letters were issued in error. The Board should take immediate action to contact those people who have received them, to reassure them and inform them more fully of the true situation.”