Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth “will continue to provide urgent, emergency and planned care services”, Hywel Dda health board has said, after concerns were raised about the hospital’s future during a consultation exercise.

Hywel Ddaheld a six-week engagement exercise from 10 May to 21 June and are currently compiling the findings ahead of a report being published “in due course”.

The health board asked the public to complete a survey and give their feedback on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected their health and care, and access to it along with other topics.

The health board said that “the exercise revealed some concerns from the public which the health board can offer immediate reassurance on.”

They including concerns over Bronglais, but the health board said that “Bronglais Hospital will build its reputation as an excellent rural provider of acute and planned care, and will continue to provide urgent, emergency and planned care services.”

The survey also sought views on the health boards proposal for a new hospital between St Clears and Narberth, and the health board insisted that, despite rumours, no site had yet been agreed or purchased and that there are “no plans” to close Withybush or Glangwili hospitals.

The health board said the new hospital is “essential for urgent and planned care in the south of the Hywel Dda area”.

The health board also said that it is “committed to a programme of decarbonisaton”, with every decision on the development of a new hospital considering the impact on the environment.

Steve Moore, chief executive of Hywel Dda, said: “I am truly grateful to all those who took the time to share their views and experiences of how Covid-19 has impacted them and their families. Your feedback has been insightful and informative and will play a major role in helping shape future services.

“This in turn will allow us to deliver on our long-term commitment for a healthier mid and west Wales.

“While it is unfortunate that myths and rumours about the new hospital have been circulating, we can assure the public that openness and transparency are very important to us.

“This exercise was part of our ongoing process to develop a programme business case to support our strategy for community and hospital-based health and care.

“As part of the process to apply for funding from the Welsh Government, we will submit the programme business case, and then individual outline business cases, then the final business cases by 2024.

“The health board will therefore engage with the public on a regular basis between now and the submission of the final business cases to ensure your views are fully considered.”

Hywel Dda said it is also keeping Hywel Dda Community Health Council, the independent watchdog of NHS services in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, appraised of developments.