GOWER Labour candidate Edwina Hart will not allow a threat to hang over Morriston Hospital's cardiac unit if she is re-elected, a Swansea councillor has said.

Clydach councillor Roger Smith has spoken out after concerns were raised over the future of the department at a meeting of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Community Health Council.

The concerns were sparked by Phil Webb, project manager of the cardiac review, who indicated that the service could be centralised.

NHS Wales chief executive Paul Williams has since said Morriston Hospital's cardiac unit is not earmarked for closure.

Mr Smith, who is also a CHC member and was at the meeting, said: "I am delighted to hear from Paul Williams (NHS Wales chief executive) who said there is no immediate threat to the cardiac service. I am sure after May 6 when there is a new Government in Cardiff Bay that Mrs Hart will not allow anything to happen to the unit if she is re-elected."

Political candidates standing in the Gower constituency had criticised Mrs Hart over her failure to comment on the matter.

Conservative candidate Caroline Jones had said: "Edwina Hart's silence on the subject is deafening."

Mr Webb said at the meeting a full scale consultation would be carried out if the service was centralised.

Treatment

"We get extremely tribal when we discuss Cardiff and Swansea — what's important is we get the treatment and pathway right," Mr Webb said at the time.

"Or are we going to be hung up on whether it's (the cardiac unit) in Swansea or Cardiff?

"Part of the reason for this review is there is a lot of perverse political incentives which has got nothing to do with patients."

Mr Smith said he was taken aback by the comments.

"I was rather surprised and shocked for a guy in that position to make these unnecessary remarks as it did cause concern and fear to people in Swansea and West Wales.

''I believe he was wrong in pitting politicians against politicians in Swansea and Cardiff."

Professor Mike Harmer, chairman of the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC), which is heading up the review , added: "I can assure everyone that there are no plans to close the cardiac surgery centre in Swansea.

"I would add that the current service provided in Swansea is of the highest standard.

"Whatever other impression has been given or inferred, I can categorically state that there are no plans to reduce the cardiac services in Swansea."

He said the aim of the review taking place was to offer the best care possible.

"The review of cardiac services currently being undertaken is wide-ranging, looking at cardiac service provision across the whole of Wales to ensure that for the future we are able to provide the best care to all patients."

"We want to find the most effective ways for patients to get the best care they can as quickly as they can, no matter where they live in Wales."

elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk