A £10 million investment is set to bring a new lease of life to learning disability care in Swansea, as health officials move to replace a severely dilapidated facility that was deemed unsafe and ultimately closed. The Dan Y Deri bungalow, located in Morriston, drew sharp criticism for its deteriorating condition, prompting a comprehensive review and swift action to overhaul local provision for people with complex and challenging needs.
Proposals for the replacement unit have received approval from Swansea Bay University Health Board, marking a pivotal step toward boosting the quality of care in the region. The project, which awaits final government funding approval, aims to provide five self-contained modern flats, each equipped with private amenities such as en suite bedrooms, showers, individual lounges, and courtyards. The targeted completion date for the new facility is set for 2027, contingent upon the demolition of the existing site.
The decision comes after a 2023 independent assessment of learning disability inpatient services across Wales, which left reviewers “shocked” by the state of Dan Y Deri. According to internal reports, the building’s layout, décor, and extensive damage raised serious questions about the adequacy and safety of service delivery. The review’s findings were stark: the care environment had declined to such an extent that it was “unfit for purpose,” resulting in its indefinite closure over mounting safety concerns.
With the closure of the facility, individuals previously cared for at Dan Y Deri were moved to alternative accommodations. Some were placed in independent hospitals or private care homes, sometimes far from their families and support networks, disrupting vital sources of social and emotional support. These arrangements were only intended as temporary solutions, underscoring the urgency of providing local, state-of-the-art care.
Financial documents relating to the project estimate that operating the new unit will cost around £2 million per year, slightly lowering annual expenditure compared to previous years. The revamped centre is expected to provide short to medium-term care for individuals presenting with particularly complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.
A rising demand for specialist learning disability services has been observed in Wales, attributed to a growing population of adults with significant support needs. Advances in healthcare have led to greater longevity for those with learning disabilities, and a higher number of children born prematurely—who may have specialist requirements—have now reached adulthood. This demographic shift places additional pressure on local health infrastructure to adapt and modernise.
In considering Dan Y Deri’s future, the Health Board explored several options, including building a six-bedroom facility. However, the larger option was dismissed due to increased financial demands and physical limitations of the site. Instead, the approved design will feature five bedrooms, with one larger room tailored specifically for individuals with obesity, acknowledging the higher prevalence of weight-related health issues amongst people with learning difficulties.
At a recent health board meeting, the proposed development was welcomed as “really good news” by independent member Jackie Davies, though questions were raised about its long-term adequacy given the likely growth in care needs. She voiced concerns about whether the five-bed model would be able to accommodate future demand, reflecting a broader conversation around capacity planning in public health services.
Darren Griffiths, Director of Finance, reassured stakeholders that Swansea Bay University Health Board regularly reviews service provision not only within Swansea but also for neighbouring health boards, including Cardiff and Vale and Cwm Taf Morgannwg. He confirmed that planning permission for the new Dan Y Deri unit is already in place and that the health board remains mindful of the wider regional demand for specialist learning disability accommodation.
The development marks a significant move towards more humane and effective care for some of Wales’ most vulnerable citizens, illustrating both the challenges and the opportunities facing the country’s learning disability services as they strive to keep up with growing and changing demand.