READERS of The Beacon appear confused as to the services available at the new hospital and health facility in the town. Last Friday two readers contacted us to say they had gone to the new unit with people requiring treatment for minor injuries, but had been sent on to Nevill Hall Hospital at Abergavenny. "That is a distance of over seventeen miles, which is not acceptable" said the one person. When the new facility opened this summer, The Beacon reported a comment from the chairman of the County Council, Alan Breeze, in which he said "Local people can look forward to receiving speedy and first class treatment under one roof". Then, another report said "The hospital has all the facilities that you would expect of a unit of its type, such as well equipped minor injuries unit, which is open 24 hours a day". The readers pointed out that signs have been erected at three locations, showing the way to the new health facility, but stating "Not A & E". The Monmouthshire Electors Community Pressure Group have written to the Health Minister, Brian Gibbons, saying it had received many complaints about the new hospital. "There is no A&E., no x-ray department and no doctors on call" said the group's letter. That letter pointed out a child had been taken to the new hospital by its parents. They were told to either come back in the morning or go to Nevill Hall. On another occasion, a person went to the hospital with a cut which needed stitches. Again, the person was told to go to Nevill Hall.
