SUPPORTERS have been urged to take part in a consultation exercise launched by health chiefs to make sure the future of Aberystwyth’s Bronglais Hospital is secure.

All three options proposed by Hywel Dda Health Board include the retention of Bronglais with a full A&E department and 24-hour services.

There are also proposals for a new community health hub in the town with medical services and beds to take pressure off the hospital.

Other community hubs, without beds, are proposed in Aberaeron, Cardigan and Tregaron.

However, Withybush Hospital in Pembrokeshire and Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen are in danger of losing their emergency services if plans to build a new hospital with A&E facilities between Narberth and St Clears go ahead.

AM Elin Jones said it was thanks to the vigorous fight put up by local people that the threat to Bronglais Hospital could be lifted.

But MP Ben Lake warned: “It’s reassuring that in all three of the proposals being considered by Hywel Dda, Bronglais continues to have an important role in providing essential services to constituents in Ceredigion.

“It is now vital that local people have their say and take part in the 12-week consultation process, to ensure that all future healthcare plans are tailored to address Ceredigion’s needs.

“We need to show just how highly-valued our local hospital and health services are to our rural communities.”

Drop-in events in Ceredigion have been scheduled for Friday, 4 May, between 2pm and 7pm at the Great Hall in Cardigan’s Guildhall and between 2pm and 7pm on Friday, 18 May, at Aberystwyth’s Morlan Centre.

The health board has published an online questionnaire on its website, but consultation responses can also be made by emailing [email protected], phoning on 01554 899056 or attending a drop-in event.

See this week’s Cambrian News for more coverage of the healthcare reorganisation