Mr. Black's is responding to reports in the Swansea press that senior doctors are expecting the outcome of Alan Axford's review into neurosurgery to lead to the closure of the Morriston unit within months and the transfer of staff and facilities to Cardiff. This contradicts previous assurances given by the Health Minister that she plans to set up a networked service covering both Cities.
Further concerns have been raised about the Morriston unit's future following a shortage of junior doctors caused by changes to visas and the introduction of restrictions on working hours.
"It is very possible that these rumours have no foundation," said Mr. Black, "but we do need to get to the bottom of them and First Minister's question time will be the first opportunity for the Government to respond to them. There is a very clear commitment from the Health Minister to operate neurosurgery on both sites. I support that proposal and expect the Minister to stick to her word.
"What I want to hear from the First Minister tomorrow is that rumours of the closure of neurosurgery at Morriston Hospital are unfounded and that the Government are urgently seeking solutions to the shortage of junior doctors that will help to make that service and others such as paediatrics in Swansea more sustainable."
