23 June 2025
The consultation on Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit (MIU) has now passed its six-week midpoint, and Hywel Dda University Health Board is thanking the community for its involvement, while responding to some of the feedback received so far.
The MIU at Prince Philip Hospital has been subject to a temporary change to opening hours since November 2024 to protect patient and staff safety, partly due to a shortage of suitable staff. The MIU is open from 8am to 8pm every day and provides treatment for minor injuries such as cuts, sprains and minor burns.
Since 28 April, members of our local communities and staff have been sharing their views on four potential options for a long-term model for the service. Additionally, people have been offering their own suggestions, both at events and by completing a questionnaire, on how the MIU could be organised.
Since the launch of the twelve-week consultation, a number of events have been held, with hundreds of individuals taking part. These include drop-in events in and around Llanelli, and online meetings, as well as community group discussions. Participants have included patients and staff, individuals from seldom-heard groups, veterans, elected representatives, and people attending the MIU. Further activities are planned, with outreach efforts continuing through focus group sessions and patient and staff engagement in the MIU.
SOSPPAN (Save Our Services Prince Philip Action Network) and Llais (the patient advocacy group) have actively encouraged public participation in the process. They have been involved in the earlier options development, which resulted in new options being considered, and are attendees of the project and steering group - both listening and providing robust challenge to the proposals.
Deryk Cundy, Chair of SOSPPAN said:
Hywel Dda University Health Board will carefully consider questionnaire responses and feedback from staff, patients, and the public. Those who have not yet shared their views are encouraged to complete the consultation questionnaire or get in touch to arrange a group discussion ahead of the close of the consultation on 22 July 2025.
Dr Robin Ghosal, Hospital Director at Prince Philip Hospital, thanked people for sharing their views: "We are really grateful to everyone who has taken the time to attend events, ask questions, and share ideas. This feedback is invaluable and will shape the proposals we put forward."
"The consultation is genuine and open, and we have no preferred option. We continue to welcome all views, including ideas we have not yet considered. Two of the four options we are consulting upon were suggested by community representatives on the stakeholder group ."
The consultation specifically concerns services for minor injuries, such as cuts, grazes, sprains, and minor fractures, and how these are delivered in Llanelli in future.
There are no changes suggested to AMAU (Acute Medical Assessment Unit) at Prince Philip Hospital, which continues to provide emergency care for very sick adult medical patients, such as those who have suffered a stroke or heart attack. If you have a medical emergency, you need to dial 999 and you can be taken directly to the AMAU. NHS 111 Wales and GPs can also refer patients to the AMAU.
Currently, if your minor injury occurs between 8.00pm and 8.00am and cannot wait until the next day, please use:
Community groups or organisations wishing to arrange a meeting with the Health Board to learn more about the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital consultation and discuss the available options are encouraged to email hyweldda.engagement@wales.nhs.uk
The consultation closes on 22 July 2025. Members of the public can find more information, and access the questionnaire to share their views (opens in a new tab)