Bronglais Hospital staff are questioning health board plans to cut bed numbers as part of plans for a new chemotherapy unit, with one staff member claiming the hospital is at “breaking point”.

The health board has admitted it is looking to “repurpose” the much-hailed Y Banwy step-up/step-down ward to provide a new chemotherapy unit, a move which will lead to a loss of beds.

However, one current staff member, who has asked not to be named, said that while a new chemotherapy unit would be welcomed by everyone at the hospital, there was concern among staff members at any loss of beds, which it was felt could put further pressure on other departments.

They said: “I think we can all agree that a dedicated chemo day unit would be very positive for those people in our community battling against the trauma of cancer.

“However, Bronglais Hospital has expanded considerably in size over recent years, so there has been speculation as to where this new build would be placed. At present the chemo unit is situated on Leri Ward, near the front entrance of the hospital and adjacent to a large area of administration offices. Behind Leri Ward is a large under-used physio gymnasium

“It was a shock and disbelief to many staff in the hospital about the ‘repurpose’ of Y Banwy Ward for the new chemo unit.

“’Repurpose’ is a rather unclear description relating to the fate of two wards.

“It should have said the complete and permanent closure of two vital wards - Y Banwy and Y Banwy annexe, with the loss of 18 general medical beds.

“In today’s climate, with a national shortage of hospital beds and the NHS at near breaking point, now is not the time to indiscriminately close 18 beds.

“This, I fear, will have a detrimental effect on all the wards, Bronglais A&E department, Aberystwyth, and the surrounding community as a whole.

“The hospital is at breaking point and needs more beds.”

Hywel Dda Health Board didn’t make any comment.

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