Transfer of services from Singleton to Morriston will begin soon say Trust

12.22.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Oct 2006

Peter Black at Morriston Hospital

The further transfer of services from Singleton Hospital to Morriston could begin in months according to a letter from the Acting Chief Executive of Swansea NHS Trust to Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Peter Black.

Calum Campbell wrote response to Mr. Black's objections to bed closures in Swansea's two hospitals. In his letter Mr. Campbell says that 'the bed closures are part of an on-going drive to improve efficiency.' He continues: 'The bed closures will be kept under continuous review pending the further transfer of services between Singleton and Morriston Hospitals, which we hope to agree over the coming months.'

Commenting on the proposal, Mr. Black said: "The Trust have already admitted publicly that their long-term aim is to close down the Singleton Hospital site and to relocate all services in one hospital, either on the existing Morriston site or in a new hospital. What is clear from minutes that I have seen is that the Morriston option looks to be the most likely."

"My concern is that there needs to be a full public debate on all the options and proper consultation with the Trust's partners before irreversible decisions are taken. The eventual closure of the Singleton Hospital site could cause huge problems for those living on the west side of Swansea and in Gower in accessing services. There needs to be an adequate transport plan and there needs to be sufficient alternative community primary care services and support for people in their own homes before the Trust closes or transfers anything."

"The challenge for Swansea NHS Trust is that they must take people with them in restructuring our heath services. If they do not then they may face massive opposition to some of their plans."