A LONG-PLANNED new hospital for west Wales faces significant delays due to funding challenges, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s chief executive, Phil Kloer, has revealed. Originally slated for completion by 2029, the project may now take at least a decade—or longer—to materialise.

The proposed hospital, intended to serve as part of a wider transformation of healthcare in the region, had two potential locations identified after extensive public consultation: St Clears and Whitland in Carmarthenshire. However, the rising cost of construction, driven by inflation, has forced the health board to revisit its strategy.

Rising costs and strategic reassessment

A report presented by the health board highlights that the estimated costs of the original strategy—outlined in a request for £1.3 billion from the Welsh Government—have surged significantly. The strategy aimed to overhaul healthcare services by developing community hubs, refreshing Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Hospital in Aberystwyth, repurposing Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest and Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, and constructing the new hospital.

Acknowledging the impact of inflation and other factors, Mr. Kloer told a health board meeting: “It would be wrong to plough on with the same thinking.” He cited the effects of Covid-19, demographic shifts, and climate change as additional reasons to “refresh” the health board’s approach.

Phased implementation to manage costs

Executive Director of Strategy and Planning Lee Davies presented a paper indicating that while a phased implementation might increase the overall costs of the programme, it could make the project “more affordable for the Welsh Government” over time. The health board also acknowledged that reviewing the hospital’s location could be necessary, despite previous public consultations narrowing options to two shortlisted sites.

Financial struggles and politics compound challenges

The health board’s financial difficulties add another layer of complexity to the hospital’s future. At the same meeting, it was confirmed that the board is grappling with a £64 million deficit, despite delivering £32.4 million in savings.

The delay raises questions about the future configuration of health services in west Wales and underscores the financial and logistical hurdles facing ambitious infrastructure projects in the region.

The delays have reignited political tensions in June this year, with Welsh Health Minister Eluned Morgan (as she was then) laying blame on Conservative politicians for obstructing progress. During a Welsh Parliament session she accused the Conservatives of leading a campaign against a new hospital years ago, which she claimed delayed its construction.

Speaking in response to a question from Pembrokeshire’s Sam Kurtz MS about the ongoing delays, Baroness Morgan said: “If you [the Conservatives] hadn’t led a campaign against the West Wales hospital, it would’ve been up and running by now. The Conservatives must take their share of responsibility for the fact there is not already a West Wales hospital.”

Morgan’s remarks were met with sharp criticism from veteran campaigners and opposition politicians. Dr Chris Overton, a prominent campaigner for Withybush Hospital, called the comments “rubbish,” pointing out that the campaign to save services at Withybush Hospital drew support from across the political spectrum, including members of the Labour Party and non-affiliated community members.

“The reality,” Dr Overton said, “is that Labour has been in power in Wales for 25 years. They’ve had plenty of time to build this hospital. Instead, they’ve salami-sliced services at Withybush to the point where trust in their promises is completely eroded.”

At that time Plaid Cymru candidate Cris Tomos and Liberal Democrat candidate Alistair Cameron both called for greater clarity and transparency from the Welsh Government. Tomos emphasized the need for genuine consultation with communities, while Cameron pointed out that residents face uncertainty about accessing services during the decade-long delay.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is inviting applications for a citizen to serve as a Lay Member on its Governance and Audit Committee. This vital role contributes to the oversight and accountability of the council’s operations.

Committee responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and scrutinising the council’s financial affairs.
• Assessing and improving risk management, internal control, performance assessment, and corporate governance.
• Making reports and recommendations to the council or relevant committees on the effectiveness of these systems.
• Additional statutory functions.

Candidate requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of the audit process and a commitment to values such as accountability, probity, openness, independence, fairness, and sound financial management within the public sector.

Ineligibility criteria:
Individuals cannot apply if they:

• Are currently a member or officer of any local authority.
• Have served as a member or officer of any local authority within the last 12 months.
• Are a spouse or civil partner of a member or officer of any local authority.

Appointment process
The successful candidate will be selected by a panel comprising an Independent Chair, three council members, and one community council member. An allowance will be provided for attendance at committee meetings.

Application details
Applications from all sections of the community are welcome. The closing date is 10 January 2025.

For a full role description and an application pack, contact Lydia Cheshire on 01437 775356 or via email at [email protected].

POLICE and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Dafydd Llywelyn, is inviting members of the public to a Public Meeting in Lampeter to discuss local policing priorities and hear feedback from the community. 

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, at Victoria Hall, Lampeter, starting at 7:00 pm. It will also feature Superintendent Steve Davies, LPA Commander for Ceredigion, who will join the PCC to address community concerns and provide updates on policing in the area. 

Ahead of the public meeting, an Open Surgery will be held at the 1822 Café, Lampeter UWTSD Campus, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to meet with representatives from the Commissioner’s Office and share their views. Representatives will be available to speak with community members about any issues or concerns they may have, as well as provide an opportunity to learn more about the role of the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner. Attendees can also explore volunteering opportunities and gain insight into funding initiatives managed by the Office.

Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:  “Public engagement is at the heart of effective policing. These meetings are a vital opportunity for us to listen to the public’s concerns, provide updates on our priorities, and work collaboratively to address issues that matter most to local communities. I look forward to meeting residents in Lampeter and hearing their views.”

The public meeting is open to all. To learn more about this event, please visit the website.