New ‘integrated’ care centre for Cardigan given go-ahead

A NEW NHS centre which will provide healthcare services for the people of Cardigan has been given the green light.

Formal agreement for the Cardigan Integrated Care Centre has now been given with work on the old Bathhouse site due to start in spring 2018.

The centre is expected to open in late 2019 due to £23.8m funding from the Welsh Government.

As well as providing a “modern, fitfor-purpose healthcare service” for the local population including a GP practice, dental service and pharmacy, the new centre aims to bring care closer to people’s homes.

It will also include mental health and learning disabilities services, a minor injuries unit and increased diagnostic services.

The Welsh Government said there is potential for the centre to run seven days a week, although there are no plans to implement this at present.

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “I’m pleased to announce the funding for the Cardigan Integrated Care Centre which will make a significant difference to the care people in the Cardigan area receive, closer to home in their communities. This project will facilitate an improved, integrated approach to healthcare in the community, all under one roof.”

Hywel Dda county director for Ceredigion, Peter Skitt said: “We are grateful to Welsh Government for providing formal agreement to the Cardigan ICC project. This represents the culmination of several years’ worth of work to ensure that we are able to care for patients in Cardigan in a safe, sustainable and integrated way.”