Hywel Dda University Health Board is planning to move some non-acute podiatry and orthotics services from Bronglais Hospital to the Canolfan Rheidol council building in Aberystwyth.

The move, which is planned to take place on 9 November 2026, will affect: podiatry clinics (including adult and children's musculoskeletal podiatry clinics); Clinical Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment Service (CMATS); orthotics and surgical appliance services, and non-urgent vascular screening appointments

Acute podiatry, diabetes-related care and urgent vascular services will remain at Bronglais Hospital.

Health chiefs say the relocation aims to improve patients’ experience by providing clinics in a more accessible and suitable environment. Referral routes, eligibility for treatment and how patients are prioritised will not change.

Currently, some clinics are held in areas with limited space for wheelchairs and mobility assessments. Patients can also experience difficulties with parking, access to toilets and cancelled appointments when lifts are out of service.

Canolfan Rheidol offers ground-floor clinic rooms, improved accessibility, nearby accessible toilets and better parking facilities. The site also has space to store specialist devices, helping patients receive suitable equipment more quickly and reducing the need for repeat visits.

The move is expected to improve privacy, comfort and dignity for patients. It should also help reduce cancelled appointments, shorten waiting times and create additional clinic capacity.

A spokesperson for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “The clinical rooms at Canolfan Rheidol are already prepared. The relocation is expected to take place once final office space arrangements have been completed. The move will see the service join other health services based at Canolfan Rheidol - Ceredigion County Council’s offices.

“Some patients may need to travel to a different location for appointments. To help minimise confusion, appointment letters, reminder calls, signage and information for referrers will be provided before the move takes place.”

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “At the heart of this relocation is our commitment to maintaining the services that people can rely on. The move will not result in any reduction in staffing, clinic appointments or the support available to patients.

“When the move goes ahead, patients, carers and referrers will receive information directly about the new location, travel options and accessibility arrangements before services transfer. Anyone with an appointment affected by the change of location will be contacted directly.

“In the meantime, we’re encouraging everyone with an interest in the service to have their say. Your feedback will help shape our understanding of how the move could affect individuals and families, and what we can do to minimise any disruption.”

The move is planned for 9 November 2026. The Health Board will be engaging with staff and patients from 26 October for two weeks before the move to understand how the change may impact them. A further four-week engagement period will take place after the move until 4 December.

Anyone interested in sharing their views can complete the short survey by 4 December 2026.

The survey is anonymous. People can share their views by:

  • Completing it online at https://www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk/new-location-for-some-podiatry-and-orthotics-services-in-aberystwyth