Campaigners are up in arms over Welsh Government's decision to close the Special Care Baby Unit at Withybush.

Instead, as part of Hywel Dda health board's reorganisation proposals, a Level 2 Neonatal Unit will be established at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen.

"This decision represents a bleak day for the people of Pembrokeshire who have campaigned and fought tirelessly to protect lifesaving baby services at Withybush Hospital," said local AM Paul Davies.

"This decision is dangerous and in immediately life-threatening cases, could pose severe harm to mothers and babies.

"Expectant mothers must be confident in the knowledge that services are fit for purpose and that care for sick and vulnerable babies will be available if the worst happens. Travelling any distance lessens survival chances and in a rural area like Pembrokeshire, reaching medical attention within the golden hour can make the difference between life and death.

"We need to hear a cast iron guarantee that there will be no reduction in paediatrics or other services at Withybush Hospital as a result of this downgrade."

At the National Assembly, immediately after health minister Mark Drakeford's statement, Mrs Joyce Watson AM, a resident of Haverfordwest, spoke of her personal experience of being rushed to hospital for the delivery of her youngest son.

Speaking after the debate, she commented: "The most troubling fact to come to light is that, according to the letter sent to the health minister by the scrutiny panel, there has been no meaningful discussion between Hywel Dda and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board's about the future provision of neonatal care at Morriston.

"Since the whole thrust of the argument to close the level 1 neonatal care unit at Withybush is predicated on delivering level 2 at Glangwili, it is shocking that Hywel Dda does not know what the plans are for Morriston, as it has a huge bearing on the future of Glangwili."

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas also expressed is concern over the proposals..

"There is a widespread disappointment in Pembrokeshire about the decision to close the unit at Withybush Hospital. There will be a massive drop in briths from 1,200 to 350 a year.

"People in mid and west Wales do not trust Hywel Dda Health Board over the changes they have made. Clearly the Health Minister does not think Hywel Dda Health Board has prepared sufficiently for this decision, which is why we he ensured a safety net.

"Unanswered questions remain on the use of the air ambulance, support for midwives and what happens in a real emergency, he added."