New community hub development being explored
HYWEL Dda University Health Board (UHB) and the community of Llandovery have started exploring how a new community hub, including inpatient beds, could be developed to support health and wellbeing services in the town.
The proposed development of a community hub in Llandovery is part of a wider programme of investment in community health and care facilities, as outlined in the health board’s programme business case, submitted to the Welsh Government in February last year.
Representatives from local organisations were joined by representatives from the health board, local authority and partner organisations at a recent event to share their views on the challenges and opportunities.
The aim is to integrate existing health and social care services, alongside third sector and community organisations within the hub, recognising the contribution of other factors such as housing, employment and leisure in an individual’s overall health. This is an ambition in the health board’s strategy called A Healthier Mid and West Wales.
The health board says there is potential to develop the former Ysgol Rhys Prichard school building.
Redevelopment of the school, which relocated in early 2021 to the former Ysgol Pantycelyn secondary school site, means it will have the space to hold activities.
Community hubs can also house community-led groups offering activities such as arts and crafts, pottery and the like. The aim is to include wellbeing services and activities alongside health and care services and bring them closer to the community in Llandovery.
The proposals will also explore the potential to reopen a minor injuries unit, expand radiology services as well as bring more outpatient services to the community. Further services available in the community such as a pharmacy and GP services could also be explored within scope.
Lee Davies, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s executive director of strategic development and operational planning, said: “The event gave us a chance to visualise and think about ways we can deliver more services locally, and work with the thriving and proactive community in Llandovery to enhance mental health and wellbeing support for the town and surrounding areas.
“This is in addition to sustaining existing services such as the retention of inpatient beds.
“The project will now be taken forward with input from a range of participants to develop a business case for the needed investment.”
Rhian Matthews, integrated system director at Hywel Dda University Health Board, added: “The development of Llandovery community hub is a key part of realising a fundamental shift from an emphasis on hospitals to a focus on working with people and communities to keep them well in or close to their own homes.
“The move to an integrated social model for health and wellbeing means we will support people with the right care, at the right time, in the right place. That must be done in partnership with wider organisations and the community right from the design and development stages.
“We are at very early stages and this development is about better meeting local need and improving services.
“We will continue to work with local people and service providers.
“Opportunities for wider community involvement will be offered during 2023 to shape the vision for the hub and to generate more ideas.”
The proposed investment in Llandovery is part of the health board’s programme of significant investment (over £1.3bn) which is being sought from the Welsh Government to transform community, hospital and care facilities.