The casualty department at Singleton treats 35,000 a year

Managers at Swansea NHS Trust say they are having similar problems to those faced at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli that led to the night-time closure of its casualty unit.

But Swansea NHS says it is determined to keep Singleton running around the clock.

A campaign group first set-up over a decade ago to fight government plans in the early 1990s to shut Singleton's casualty unit has reformed and is in talks with the trust on its future plans.

We are trying to be open and upfront about this by talking to representatives of the public Andrew Bellamy, Swansea NHS Trust

Both parties say they will work together to try to find ways of keeping the department, which treats 35,000 patients a year, running.

The trust's strategy director Andrew Bellamy told BBC Wales News Online that greater use may have to be made of specially trained nurses and GPs to keep Singleton open at night.

"In common with many other trusts across the UK there is an issue with the recruitment of junior medical staff," he said.

"It must be made clear we are not talking about closure.

"What we are talking about is possibly enhancing the services during the day and having more nurse-led services at night.

"We have no specific plans at this stage but we are looking at the type of people that come in at the different times of the day.

It's not confrontation but consultation and we have made some suggestions Lilian Hopkins, campaigner

"We are trying to be open and upfront about this by talking to representatives of the public."

With the A&E unit at Llanelli still closed and staffing issues affecting services at Neath General Hospital the casualty departments at Morriston and Singleton are already treating more patients from those areas.

Campaigner Lilian Hopkin said it was important that patients were consulted on any changes.

"I've had occasions to use the A&E at Singleton and yes, I've had long waits but the service there is wonderful," he said.

"Any cuts to the service would only lengthen waiting times and I do feel if it was to start closing then it may not reopen.

"We are just there as ordinary members of the public and we are very happy that the trust is being so open about this.

"It's not confrontation but consultation and we have made some suggestions which has got us off to a good footing."