£3m cash boost for hospital’s facilities

A HOSPITAL has been given a £3m cash boost to improve its facilities.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has announced further funding for Powys Teaching Health Board to carry out work at the War Memorial Hospital in Llandrindod Wells.

The funding will go towards the “continuing redevelopment” of facilities at the hospital to improve the environment for staff and patients.

It will also support the health board’s strategy plans for the delivery of services across Powys.

This latest funding brings the total capital investment by Welsh Government in the hospital to over £6.5m in the past three years. Redevelopment plans include: Increasing the number of clinical rooms in outpatient departments;

Enhancing the endoscopy services provided at the hospital;

Providing improved and compliant sanitary facilities;

Ensuring the dental department is fully accessible for disabled patients.

The improvements will help the health board facilitate an increase in day surgery procedures undertaken in Powys and to focus more on a model of prevention and the promotion of health and wellbeing, care and support in the community.

Dr Jon Matson, from Llandrindod Wells Medical Practice, said: “These developments will bring significant benefits for the local community in Llandrindod Wells.

“This includes increasing and enhancing the range of outpatient services undertaken in our local hospital. This builds on the work that has already taken place to create the Ithon Birth Centre, including day assessments and ultrasonography facilities, which opened earlier this year.”

Chief executive of Powys Teaching Health Board Carol Shillabeer said: “Today’s announcement is great news for the people of Powys, and for Llandrindod Wells in particular.

“It supports us to provide even more care and treatment within the county, improving access and reducing travel for local residents. It helps us to deliver our vision for a healthy, caring Powys by focusing on wellbeing, providing more early help and support in the community, and providing more joined up care.”

Health Secretary Mr Gething added: “I’m pleased to announce an additional £3m worth of funding for the Llandrindod Wells War Memorial Hospital in Powys.

“It’s imperative that hospital facilities in Wales meet requirements of up-to-date standards to provide a safe environment for patients, and for health professionals to do their work efficiently. This will help to contribute to a healthier Wales.”