So, let's fast-forward to 2019, and where are we now? Well, there have been recent reports that the health board are once again revisiting how maternity services should be delivered in Pembrokeshire, following media speculation that Withybush hospital's midwife-led maternity services are set to be reduced to a day staffed service. This would effectively mean that midwives would be on-call for women who want to give birth at Withybush hospital out of designated hours. Of course, when pushed to confirm exactly what would happen to the service, Hywel Dda University Health Board denied these reports. But given that this was reported in the first place, it does leave a huge question mark over the future of the unit. Unfortunately, these reports create uncertainty over the current service provision. Now, in announcing changes to neonatal services in 2014, the then Minister for Health and Social Services and now the current First Minister said that, and I quote,

'An essential factor in any maternity model of care is that the mother should be able to make a clinically informed decision on the place of birth.'

Now, yesterday, during First Minister's questions, the First Minister confirmed that there are no proposals of any sort to make a change in maternity services at Withybush hospital. So, at long last, the Government has clearly made its view clear on a service at the hospital. I hope, therefore, the Welsh Government will now ensure that the local health board comes forward to confirm categorically that no changes will take place to maternity services at Withybush hospital, so that mothers living in the area are reassured that these particular services will continue.

Members will be aware that I have continually raised constituents' fears that the closure or downgrading of one service has a detrimental impact on the whole hospital and calls into question the sustainability of other services. Indeed, the Minister's predecessor admitted that he didn't know what to say in relation to the slippery slope theory but that the hospital would have a secure and significant place in the health services that are provided in Pembrokeshire. Well, that was in 2014, and I think it's safe to say that that is certainly not the case now. Since 2014, we've seen services downgraded, others under threat, and no certainty or assurances from either the local health board or the Welsh Government. Members may be aware that Hywel Dda University Health Board is under targeted intervention status and has been for some time now, and there's a very real belief amongst some in the community I represent that the constant mismanagement of services now means that the health board should be placed in special measures. Perhaps then the Welsh Government will choose to finally intervene and ensure that people living in all parts of the region are treated fairly and have access to the services that they so desperately need.

Following news that the health board is planning to build a new hospital between Narberth and St Clears, it became clear that this would result in there being no fully functioning A&E service at Withybush hospital but rather a minor injuries unit serving the area instead. That is simply unacceptable to the people that I represent. In fact, Members will remember the enormous petition raised by local campaigner Myles Bamford-Lewis objecting to the removal of A&E services from Withybush hospital, which gathered over 40,000 signatures. That is a hugely significant statement, which makes it abundantly clear that the people of Pembrokeshire will continue to oppose the downgrading of services at Withybush hospital. And those 40,000 voices deserve to be listened to.

Pembrokeshire is a county that needs desperate upgrades to its public transport infrastructure network, has significant poverty levels and has a particular high age demographic—all factors that demonstrate the need for an accident and emergency service to be maintained in the constituency. Let's not forget that, through the summer in particular, Pembrokeshire also welcomes thousands of tourists and visitors from across Wales and further afield, all of whom should be confident that emergency services are available quickly in the event that they are needed. What advert does that send to people across Britain and indeed right across the world? 'Welcome to Pembrokeshire, enjoy our landscape, enjoy our food and drink, and please be careful, because if you need emergency treatment, then you will have to go elsewhere.' And let me remind the Minister that it's not only politicians on this side of the Chamber that believe that A&E services must stay put. Last September, in a debate on a petition saying 'no' to the closure of Withybush hospital's A&E service, his own party colleague, the Member for Swansea East, said, and I quote:

'The ability to access an A&E department is something that people want as close to their homes as possible. Requesting one in the ancient county of Pembrokeshire should surely not be too much to ask.'