North Wales Live readers are sceptical at the news that after years of delays, a new £33m hospital unit at North Wales’ Royal Alexandra Hospital is finally set to go ahead. The facility will house a minor injuries unit treating over 20,000 patients a year and a 14-bed reablement unit for post-treatment care, integrating NHS and social services. Radiology services will expand, and four new dental suites will improve access while increasing training for dental nurses. The build, expected to finish in 2027, is the first phase of a £60m investment, with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board planning a second phase to redevelop the existing hospital. First Minister Eluned Morgan said it would reduce emergency waiting times and help patients return home sooner, while Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Miles highlighted the benefits for both residents and visitors. Betsi leaders and Denbighshire Council praised the project for easing pressure on Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and supporting local care. Clwyd West MS Darren Millar criticised the downsized plans, warning that limited capacity could worsen staffing pressures and fail to meet North Wales’ urgent healthcare needs, with patients already facing long waits in A&E and on treatment lists. Commenter Jj79513 says: “This is too little, too late. Darren Miller’s assessment is spot on. Promises made years ago were watered down by the government, and Betsi still has to submit phase two, which could take another 10 years. This is a scandal by Betsi Management and the Welsh Government.” GwynforOwen thinks: “They closed all the community hospitals and now they realise their mistakes with all the major hospitals full with elderly people needing end of life care. Bring back community hospitals to all the major towns and villages.” Trianglewoods is not convinced: “Proposed in 2013, should have been completed in 2016. Now to be completed by 2027, don’t hold your breath on this.” Peter B agrees: “I’ll wait to see work actually start before getting too excited. The MIU should make a real difference to cutting waiting times at YGC, but I hope it will offer X-rays and similar services at weekends, as some units do not. Will the 14 bed ready-to-go-home reablement unit replace the Transfer Hub at YGC, or will both remain open?” Nicecatlady points out: “They really need to fix what they are already struggling with before adding more. Expanding services or facilities while current systems are in chaos will only make things worse, so getting the basics right first should be the priority.” Carolyn T is more positive: “I am so pleased that funding has been secured on top of recent planning permission for the Royal Alex hospital, building can now start with a completion date of next year. fantastic news! Combined with the new orthopaedic hub soon to be opened in Llandudno , it is a huge leap forward for the health service in North Wales.” Roger C asks: “What about Wrexham ? The hospital clearly needs expanding given the number of properties built over the past 36 years. In that time, services haven’t really increased. I really feel for the staff, they’re doing an amazing job in very difficult conditions.” Sharon M comments: “We’ll have to wait and see. A hospital still needs doctors to operate, and we’re already facing a serious shortage in both hospitals and local surgeries. It’s one thing to build or expand facilities, but without enough staff to run them, it doesn’t solve the problem. I’ll believe it when it actually happens.” Ian C adds: “All of this is happening while services are being removed from other hospitals, including Bronglais, which is the only hospital serving mid and west Wales. It’s concerning that resources are being shifted rather than expanded, leaving communities reliant on a single facility to cope with growing demand.” After so many delays, will this new unit actually get built, or is it just another promise? Have your say in our comments section.

Original source: gb