A bid to see the health board put in special measures has been rejected by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Just five councillors voted to support Cllr Paul Dowson's notice of motion that the authority ask the Welsh Government to intervene with the running of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The notice had not been supported when it was debated by scrutiny committee and this recommendation was backed by the majority of councillors at Thursday's full council (February 21).

Cllr Dowson said: "This isn't about Withybush Hospital or about local services, it's about the incompetence of Hywel Dda."

The health board's £69million deficit would not be acceptable in business and "people's lives are at risk," he added.

Cllr Phil Kidney backed the motion adding: "I think it will send a message that people are fed up with this and it can't go on."

A councillor seminar was held last week with senior members of Hywel Dda, which was described as "useful" by Cllr Jon Harvey but he was concerned there was "no plan b" when it came to building a new hospital.

He doubted the Welsh Government would impose special measures but asking for it would show support for the people.

The lack of improvement at Betsi Cadwaladr health board, put into special measures in 2015, was highlighted by Cllr David Pugh, who added it would not give him confidence it would help at Hywel Dda.

Cllr Jamie Adams said: "Suggesting that [special measures] for one of our strategic partners for delivery of their services as well as ours is a very dangerous thing to be suggesting.

"It would be very detrimental to our services if Hywel Dda were placed in special measures."

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Dowson said: “The results of today's notice of motion was not as important as the fact that it has made both the board and the public aware of the monumental failings, especially regarding the financial management and operational management of the health board.

“I never expected the council to vote in favour of the motion from the start; however, it proved a very worthwhile exercise in gaining the attention of the health board, which the public have failed to do previously with a 40,000-signature petition concerning Withybush downgrading.

“I am pretty sure that today's events have caused the health board and the Welsh government to think twice about considering change and restructure as a smokescreen, when in fact they should be considering managing what they have currently in a competent manner.”

He added: “I feel the result of today's meeting has left us in a more promising position regardless of the vote. Hopefully the health board will realise that currently their ambitions are greater than their talents.”