ACCESS to mental health services for Ceredigion patients is still a concern, according to a local MP.

Local MP Mark Williams was disappointed by a Hywel Dda Health Board response to questions raised about mental health service provision.

Mr Williams received complaints about the deterioration of mental health services at Bronglais Hospital following the closure of Afallon Mental Health Ward.

He said: “Since July last year when patients were first moved to Glangwili Hospital Carmarthen, constituents have raised concerns about having to travel to Carmarthen to access some mental health services and the difficulties surrounding transport.”

Mr Williams added that a plan to introduce a mental health unscheduled care service is still unclear and has raised concerns about the availability of around the clock transport for patients who go to Morlais Ward in Glangwili, and then need to make their way home.

He said: “The Health Board argues that because ten beds were opened on Morlais Ward Carmarthen when ten beds were closed on Afallon Ward Bronglais, this represents a transfer and not a reduction. However, this does not change the fact that there are ten fewer mental health service beds in Ceredigion!”

The Ceredigion MP says he is still waiting for evidence which support the Health Board’s claim that ‘significant and continued growth of community services will reduce the demand for inpatient care’.

Mr Williams added: “This is a miserable and highly unsatisfactory situation and it would be useful if the Health Board could offer honesty and clarity on any prospective plans for any resident provision in respect of mental health services within Ceredigion.”