New healthcare centre at last for Mountain Ash
It should be ready by 2020:
PLANS for a new state-ofthe-art healthcare centre to be built in Mountain Ash have been approved.
The multi-million pound Welsh Government plans mean the facility will soon be built in the centre of the town in a bid to help cope with a shortage of GP services in the area.
The news was announced last week, and follows years of campaigning by local politicians and the community, with the centre set to be built on the land on Oxford Street, opposite Miskin Road car park.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, ward member for Mountain Ash West and leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, said he has lobbied the local health board and Welsh Government for a “number of years” over plans for a new centre.
He said: “This revenue funding from the Welsh Government to deliver a new primary health care facility for Mountain Ash is fantastic news.
“I have, over a number of years, pressed the case for investment to deliver a modern solution for GP practice arrangements and facilities in Mountain Ash.
“This is a matter which I have continuously raised with the local health board and Welsh Government to deliver a permanent and fit-for-purpose solution which will meet the future medical needs of Mountain Ash, which is something that everyone in the community wants to see.
“This funding will ensure that the ambitions of the local health board for modern, state-of-theart GP facilities in a town centre location, will be realised. Furthermore, it will support the wider town centre with the possible increased footfall in the locality.”
Mountain Ash has just three GP practices serving the area, and the new building is thought to cost in the region of £4m to £5m, but the exact price has not yet been determined.
Works will start next year, and Cynon Valley Assembly Member Vikki Howells AM said she had pressed the case for funding to support Cwm Taf University Health Board for the new centre, which is due to be completed by 2020.
Ms Howells said: “This new integrated primary care centre will be a huge asset to the people of Mountain Ash, providing state of the art health care facilities right in the heart of the community.
“The location benefits from easy access, plentiful parking and good public transport links, ensuring patients are able to reach the surgery as easily as possible.
“I am delighted that, after extensive campaigning by myself and Councillor Andrew Morgan, the Welsh Labour Government, even in these times of austerity, have agreed to invest in this facility, which will bring so many benefits to local residents.”