I’m very grateful for this opportunity to respond to this petition. Much of what I had intended to say has already been said. But certainly, during last year's election campaign, concern about the future of Withybush hospital, specifically the future of the accident and emergency department, was something that was frequently raised on the doorstep when I was canvassing in Pembrokeshire. Unfortunately, in several parts of the county, the uncertainty, the recent reorganisation, as we've already heard, and the loss of services, such as the paediatric service a few years ago, have led to a loss of faith and confidence in general in Hywel Dda health board and in the Welsh Government.

In the meantime, residents, including the vulnerable and older people, are concerned about the possibility of losing the accident and emergency provision, which has literally been a life-saving service for many of them, and for their families and neighbours. Since I was elected to this place, this strength of feeling towards safeguarding the future of Withybush hospital has become even more pronounced. Earlier this year, I was very pleased to attend a rally on the hospital site to support the retention of emergency services at Withybush hospital. In the meantime, the concerns about the hospital’s future have increased.