Withybush Hospital: Plans for new Ward 10 facilities progress

LOCAL fundraisers and key stakeholders came together this week (Oct 12) to hear about the latest plans for a new Specialist Palliative Care, Haematology and Oncology Ward (formerly known as Ward 10) at Withybush Hospital.

Hywel Dda University Health Board, in partnership with its stakeholders, is currently preparing detailed plans for the multi-mullion pound investment. The proposed new facilities will provide a better environment for patients through modern, purpose-built areas which are dementia friendly, and support those with bariatric requirements. It is also hoped the new facility will strengthen services and encourage appointment of key posts within the hospital.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, Hospital Director at Withybush, said: “We are making good progress in bringing together all the necessary plans and documentation for the development and have recently shared detailed layout plans with staff, stakeholders and the public. We will shortly be going out to tender for the building works which will then inform the business case to be submitted to Welsh Government for consideration early next year and, subject to the necessary approvals, enable the development to go ahead.

“It’s really important to recognise the involvement and engagement of our staff, partners and key charitable representatives in the local community with this exciting development; we very much value their contribution and will continue to work closely with them, and share further updates with the public, as we move forward.

“We also wish to acknowledge the fantastic efforts of Elly Neville and her family and we congratulate them as Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal fund recently hit the £46,000 mark. This will greatly contribute to improving the patient experience on Ward 10.”

Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal started back in May last year; however, last week it hit a new milestone, having raised over £50k.

Elly’s father, Lyn Neville, commented: “As a family we are happy to be able to give back to Ward 10 following the care I received and, more recently, my sister. We would like to thank the Pembrokeshire public and business community for their support of Elly’s Appeal and thank the Ward 10 staff for their amazing work and dedication.”

Around £345k has now been raised by the Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal; however, further funding for the development is dependant on monies being secured from the Welsh Government.

Helen Johns, Senior Sister of Ward 10, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support our local community has given to this scheme. In addition to local fundraising efforts, patients and their relatives have given their precious time to consider and comment on the proposed floor plans, meaning that the ward will be designed by Pembrokeshire people for Pembrokeshire people.”

The development is part of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s wider plans to upgrade a range of dementia friendly facilities for patients at Withybush Hospital, including the new Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit, which will replace the existing Chemotherapy Day Unit.