26/10/2009

More than £7.5million Welsh Assembly Government funding will be invested in a project that will pave the way for a major re-development of Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, Health Minister Edwina Hart announced today.

The funding will be used to demolish old workshops and stores at the hospital, the development of new on and off-site car parks and the refurbishment of Cadwaladr Ward.

This will enable work on the major development of a new accident and emergency department, clinical decision unit, a new maternity ward, new operating theatres and improvements to the outpatients department to start once the final business case has been approved.

The Assembly Government has earmarked a total of more than £40million for the full project.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said: "This significant investment from the Welsh Assembly Government demonstrates our long-term commitment to the hospital.

"The current accident and emergency facilities are no longer fit-for-purpose. The work that gets under way will clear the way so that once the full business case for the re-development is approved, work can begin soon after. I expect to receive the full business case in March 2010.

"Measures are in place to minimise any disruption to the hospital during the demolition and construction of the new facilities.

"The new facilities will improve the patient care and working environment for staff."

Hywel Dda Health Board Chairman Chris Martin added: "We are delighted that work has commenced on this major new Front of House development which, once completed, will greatly enhance services, access and facilities for the people we serve in Ceredigion, North Powys and South Gwynedd.

"This massive investment of more than £40m by Welsh Assembly Government will create a new A&E unit, a 14 bed clinical decision unit, three new operating theatres, a new maternity ward plus improvements to outpatients department. It is a hugely exciting scheme and demonstrates our commitment to patients in that area and to the future of Bronglais Hospital."