Junior and senior players and families from Haverfordwest Rugby Club turned out in force for the recent demonstration at the club’s Pembroke Road headquarters to throw their continued support towards the ‘Save Withybush Campaign’.
 
Campaigners fear that local sporting organisations could be at risk if the hospital’s Accident & Emergency services are condensed. Several key clubs are based in the town – including football, cricket, tennis & swimming.
 
Rugby Club Secretary, Graham Dalton said: “Historically, Withybush has literally been a life saver for patients with serious sporting injuries. The dilution of services will compromise SOS provision and community care.
We fully support the Save Withybush Campaign and Senedd petition”
 
Club chairman, Alun Wills added: “The plans have triggered huge community anxiety.”
 
Treasurer Delyth Summons said: “The focus was on our mini and junior section – the generation most likely to suffer  in future if the changes proceed.”
 
Local county councillors Tim Evans and ex Wales & British Lion, Peter Morgan joined the rally.
 
The giant protest banners were manufactured by Sigma Signs in Pembrokeshire colours to allow other groups to exploit them. If you would like to use the banners for your local club/organisation, please contact our club through social media or the club directly on 01437 762832. We hope many other local sports clubs will jump on board.
 

Strong support from Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk

On a personal note, PEMBROKESHIRESPORT.CO.UK would like to add our strongest support to the Haverfordwest RFC article because almost a year ago I had a stent fitted at Morriston Hospital after discovery of a heart problem but after my initial diagnosis I was told I needed an angiogram - but would have to wait in Withybush Hospital for up to FIVE WEEKS until a bed became available.

I could not have more caring treatment from amazing staff in Ward Eight - angels all of them, but with six beds packed into each pod there was a feeling of overcrowding and a terrific pressure on overworked staff.

I was transferred to Morriston after just over two weeks of aimless waiting around but the lovely man opposite me, from Tenby, had already been waiting over five weeks and I felt guilty going before him - it is crazy!

 I really believe that we should have angiograms available in our catchment area and to block a bed for five weeks or more is totally unacceptable, as is the loss of other vital facilities for things like pregnant women having to travel for specialist care which at one time was carried out superbly in our county town.

I WOULD URGE EVERY SPORTING ORGANISATION TO SHARE HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY'S MESSAGE AND TRY TO REINSTATE THE MEDICAL SERVICES WE DESERVE IN PEMBROKESHIRE!