LLANELLI has lost its intensive care unit for good, with Hywel Dda University Health Board confirming on Thursday (Sept 25) that Prince Philip Hospital will now only provide treatment for minor injuries and urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.
The hospital’s Minor Injury Unit will be rebranded as an Urgent Care Treatment Centre, open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm. It will deal with sprains, cuts, burns, infections, mild allergic reactions and some minor illnesses. Same Day Emergency Care will also be available for urgent cases not requiring an overnight stay.
The Health Board said the move was an “investment and improvement” following a consultation. Chief executive Professor Phil Kloer said it would provide “a high-quality service that is safe, sustainable, accessible and kind.”
Intensive care gone
But the decision confirms what many staff and campaigners already feared: Llanelli no longer has an Intensive Care Unit. Patients in need of critical care are stabilised in Llanelli before being transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.
That leaves Prince Philip without the capacity to treat the sickest patients, effectively reducing the site to a minor injuries and urgent care facility.
Campaigners warn that delays in transferring patients could put lives at risk, with hospital bed shortages across the region already causing pressure.
Community concern
The Save Our Services Prince Philip Action Network (SOSPPAN) said it was relieved that some form of urgent care will stay, but chair Deryk Cundy added: “We are pleased with the board’s decision to support an Urgent Care Centre, but we also want reassurance that mental health and acute care remain accessible for people in Llanelli.”
No A&E return
The new centre will not be an Accident & Emergency department. Life-threatening emergencies will continue to be taken to Glangwili or Morriston.
For many residents, the red “A&E” road signs pointing to Prince Philip now serve only as a reminder of what has been lost.
