THE FUTURE of the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, will be considered at a public meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board on Thursday (Sep 25).
The MIU has been running on reduced hours, 8:00am–8:00pm, since November 2024 after staffing shortages and safety concerns were highlighted by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. A report at the time warned that people were attending overnight with conditions unsuitable for the service and that medical rotas could not be safely staffed.
A wide-ranging public consultation was held between April 28 and July 22 this year. More than 700 questionnaire responses were received, alongside hundreds of conversations at drop-in sessions, online events and meetings with local groups.
The consultation asked for views on four options for the unit’s future, focused on different opening hours or urgent-care style models. Respondents also suggested six additional alternatives, which will now be put before the Board.
Mark Henwood, Executive Medical Director, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. This has been a thorough and inclusive process, and we’ve heard a wide range of perspectives and experiences.”
Campaign group Save Our Services Prince Philip Action Network (SOSPPAN) was heavily involved in the consultation. The chair, Deryk Cundy, said: “The MIU plays a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people in Llanelli. The strength of feeling was clear from more than 10,000 signatures on the petition to keep the service.
“However, we recognise the previous model could not continue. Staff were being placed under impossible pressures, covering cases that should have been treated elsewhere. We also raised the ongoing need for mental health support in Llanelli and the part the MIU has played in that.”
Mr Cundy added that SOSPPAN welcomed the consultation highlighting how NHS 111, including option 2 for mental health, could work alongside the MIU and acute units in Llanelli.
The Health Board said the full consultation report, together with other evidence, will be presented at next week’s public meeting. Independent members and senior leaders will then consider the findings before making a decision on the MIU’s future.
In the meantime, the MIU remains open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Patients needing treatment outside those hours are advised to use the NHS Wales symptom checker or call NHS 111 for advice. In life-threatening emergencies, patients should call 999.
