Plaid Cymru has long argued that people should have the right to essential services, which clearly includes A&E departments, within a reasonable distance of their homes in all parts of Wales. The potential for healthcare reform in the area by building, potentially, a new hospital is creating more uncertainty in Pembrokeshire. Whilst I recognise the opportunities that opening a brand new hospital would bring to west Wales in terms of recruiting specialist staff, providing improved clinical facilities and research opportunities, there is no doubt that, despite the health board's efforts, very real and pressing concerns remain that this could see vulnerable residents living on the far peripheries of west Pembrokeshire being put at risk should emergency health services be called for.

This strength of feeling is evident, as we've heard from Jack Sargeant already. The loss of A&E provision from Withybush to some of the proposed hospital sites that were announced last week could see distances for residents living in St David's more than double, from 16 to 36 miles. A similar doubling of journey lengths would also be seen for areas such as Milford Haven, Fishguard and Angle. I know that many residents are extremely concerned about the impact of this increase in journey times to A&E, particularly when considering the significant influx in the population in Pembrokeshire, as we have heard again already, during the height of the tourist season, as well as the concentration of industrial activity found on the Milford Haven waterway.