Plan are now in for a new North Wales hospital – with hopes the scheme will finally happen. The development of a new healthcare facility at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl has been a long running saga.
Back in 2013 plans for a £22m hospital in the seaside town were backed by Welsh Government and the 30 bed facility should have opened in 2016.
But planning was not secured until 2020 and then the Covid pandemic and subsequent spiralling inflation saw it stall.
A paired back development was then proposed and a new planning application has now been submitted by the Betsi Cadwaladr health board. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
A planning statement said that the hospital would include:
A new Minor Injuries and Ailments Unit (MIAU). This will help relieve pressure on the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd; A new rehabilitation bedded facility, providing 14 beds. This setting will focus on providing Health and Social Care support for patients to enable their return to home, typically following discharge from Ysbyty Glan Clwyd; A new relocated dental unit, with four surgical procedure rooms; A new radiology unit, expanded to support the MIAU; A staff hub
There would also be a new single-storey energy centre building that is required to provide the necessary mechanical and electrical infrastructure to support the new site.
The statement added: “The MIAU will provide a walk-in service, which will help to relive pressure on existing similar MIAUs at Denbigh and Holywell Hospitals, as well as provide this service locally within Rhyl. The MIAU will also help to reduce pressure on Accident and Emergency Departments, include at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital.
“The new bedded facility will focus on providing support and rehabilitation care for patients who are currently unable to return home, such as due to mobility issue reasons.
“This facility will help to free up bed space at other hospital sites for patients in need of more critical care.
“The Health Board have engaged with the communities they serve, alongsideanalysis of data and learnings from working with colleagues in the Local Authority to help inform the facilities incorporated into the new community hospital building.
“The neighbouring Pavilion Theatre Overflow Car Park has been identified to provide additional car parking provision to both hospital staff and hospital visitors/patients. During the construction period this location will also be used to accommodate the contractor’s compound.”
The scheme will now be considered by planners at Denbighshire council.
Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Original source: gb