It's also important to note, Dirprwy Lywydd, that the concerns about the impact of the loss of accident and emergency provision aren't just anecdotal. Evidence exists that supports wider concerns, not to mention the importance of the golden hour response, as the public in general are aware of. A previous study by the University of Sheffield, which investigated 10,500 emergency cases, found that an increase of 10 km in a straight line distance travelled from an A&E department is linked to an absolute increase of approximately 1 per cent in mortality, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. With some proposals seeing areas such as Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock facing an increase of over 30 km to the nearest A&E, it's understandable why so many people are concerned about the future of local healthcare provision.

I acknowledge the challenges that the Hywel Dda health board faces all too often, especially bearing in mind the chronic lack of capital investment that there has been in the health board in west Wales, as compared to other health boards in Wales. However, as the discussions regarding the new potential hospital continue, it's vital that the health board and the Welsh Government pay careful attention to the genuine concerns expressed by the residents of Pembrokeshire, and that they take decisive action to ensure that access to emergency services, and residents' right to access these services, isn't undermined by any proposed reforms to the area's health system.