CONCERNS have been raised over health care provision in Pembroke Dock, following the closure of the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at South Pembrokeshire Hospital last November.

Pembroke Dock Town Council is to write a letter to the health minister outlining the concerns raised by members at a meeting last Thursday (January 9).

Hywel Dda Health Board has an agreement with the Argyle Medical Group, which includes a non-walk in minor injury service for registered patients from Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Neyland, between 8am and 6.30pm.

Town clerk Moira Jenkins said some people had been led to believe a walk-in service would be available and those people not registered with a GP would add to A&E pressures.

“I think we are being hoodwinked,” said Councillor Sue Perkins. “I think we were led to believe that if the MIU closed we would have exactly the same service at the surgery.

“My concern is that if a child has a minor injury, parents will not have enough money to go to A&E. We represent some of the harder-up people here and they just won’t go.”

Cllr Perkins said a drop-in service was essential.

Concerns were also raised about the service only being available on weekdays and members felt the replacement service is “inadequate”.

A university health board spokesman said: “At no stage has this been advertised as a walk-in service.

“We continue to closely monitor the change in service and visitors to the area can temporarily register with a GP should they need to access medical care.

“We recognise that there are a number of areas of depravation across Pembrokeshire and the redeployment of three experienced nurse practitioners now supports the minor injuries service at Withybush Hospital for the benefit of patients from across the county.”