Big changes are brewing in West Wales hospitals, and they might just shake things up for locals! As the consultation on the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Clinical Services Plan wraps up soon, potential alterations could affect services at key hospitals like Withybush, Glangwili, Bronglais, and Prince Philip.
If you’re a patient at Withybush needing specialist critical care, you might find yourself headed to Glangwili. Bronglais could transition to a ‘treat and transfer’ site for stroke care, meaning patients could be moved elsewhere for treatment. And while the plans say emergency and minor injury services remain unaffected, there’s plenty up for discussion about services like critical care, surgery, endoscopy, and more.
Options on the table aim to tackle “fragile” services, and there are proposals aplenty – three different routes for critical care setup and four for radiology, just to name a couple. As for stroke services, Bronglais and Glangwili might see some significant changes under the new plans. Dermatology, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics have possibilities in the mix too, with mention of a brand-new diagnostic centre possibly coming to life.
The health board assures no decisions are locked in yet, emphasising a commitment to “safe, high-quality services” and patient care for the community. They want your input to guide which proposals could best resolve service issues and enhance standards. With final decisions anticipated later this year, now’s your chance to weigh in!
If you’ve got an opinion or a new idea for what you’d like to see in your local NHS services, make sure your voice is heard. Time’s ticking, so get involved and help shape the future of healthcare in West Wales! ⏰🏥