The chief executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board has urged the Welsh government to prioritize investment in existing hospitals across west Wales, after plans for a new urgent care hospital were pushed back for at least a decade.
Professor Phil Kloer said the health board “cannot wait” for a new facility before upgrades are made, stressing the urgent need to modernize ageing infrastructure at current hospital sites.
Consultation on Future Services
Decisions on where future funding will be directed may depend on the outcome of a public consultation into the health board’s Clinical Services Plan, which ends on 31 August. The plan aims to address nine “fragile” healthcare services, including potential changes to stroke care at Bronglais General Hospital in Aberystwyth and Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.
Prof Kloer confirmed that he is “in discussions with government right now to improve our infrastructure,” highlighting the urgency of new investment regardless of the long-term hospital project.
Previous Hospital Plans Stalled
In 2022, Hywel Dda University Health Board submitted a £1.2 billion bid to fund a new urgent care hospital, with shortlisted sites at St Clears and Whitland. A BBC Wales freedom of information request revealed the board had already spent £1.2 million selecting locations before the project was shelved.
Calls for Investment in Existing Facilities
With the new hospital plan abandoned, local politicians from different parties are urging the government to focus on upgrading Glangwili Hospital, which first opened in 1949, and other regional sites.
Carmarthen councillor Gareth John of Plaid Cymru said it was “very unlikely” a new hospital would be funded “any time soon,” adding that money should be directed into modernizing existing facilities and improving community care services.
Conservative Senedd member Sam Kurtz echoed the call, urging investment across Glangwili, Withybush, and Bronglais hospitals. He argued that patients in west Wales “deserve the services” that adequate funding could provide.
Government Response
The Welsh government said it is working closely with Hywel Dda University Health Board on its long-term requirements, adding that it invested over £500 million in NHS Wales estates and infrastructure last year.
