Hywel Dda Health Board has agreed that Bronglais Hospital should maintain acute care and services as part of a major shake-up of health services.

Under the latest clinical plan put forward, Bronglais Hospital was assured of its future because of the importance of ensuring services are available for residents in north Ceredigion, the Dyfi Valley and south Gwynedd.

But there has been strong criticism of the decision that will see both Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest downgraded, and a new district general hospital proposed between the two.

Members of the health board backed an option that they hope will see a new hospital somewhere between Narbeth and St Clears, with both Glangwili and Withybush used to provide community services including overnight beds, day case surgery, out-patient and minor injury units. Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli would retain acute medical services.

In all of the options considered by the board at a meeting on Wednesday, 26 September, Bronglais Hospital would not lose acute services.

There will also be new community services provided across the health board area, with a proposed community hub planned for Aberystwyth, alongside planned developments and facilities in Aberaeron, Cardigan and Tregaron.

As part of the proposals, the health board has also said it will look at the “opportunities a new hospital in the south would provide Bronglais Hospital”.

Hywel Dda chief executive Steve Moore said: “Today is a hugely momentous day as we confirm we will take a new direction to providing much more preventative and community-based healthcare to our population.

“We’ve heard the concern people have with current healthcare provision and our ability to deliver this sea-change in the years to come, but our clinicians have led this work and we believe what has been put before us today offers us the best chance to deal with the fragility our NHS faces and to provide the population with safe, effective care that meets their needs.”

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