Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council Cllr Michael Gray and David Jenkins, OBE, Chair, Aneurin Bevan UHB applaud The Earl of Wessex as he officially opens the new Rhymney Integrated Health and Social Care Centre
The Rhymney Integrated Health and Social Care Centre was officially opened by The Earl of Wessex on Monday 17th March.
The centre will serve the communities in the north of Caerphilly County Borough and will complement the range of health and social care services currently provided from Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Ystrad Mynach.
In addition, the centre will act as a base for Health Board and Local Authority staff working in the north of the borough who provide care to children, older people, and people receiving mental health support.
Services in the centre include both Rhymney GP practices, a dental practice, optometry suite, pharmacy, outpatient clinics and social services day facilities.
There are also 12 in-patient beds, two of which will be designated for palliative care.
Chairman of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board David Jenkins OBE, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Earl of Wessex to open the centre today, the new centre will not only provide a range of services locally, but as an important hub, it will also give support to the services we provide from Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr.
“I’m sure the Earl of Wessex will be keen to speak to our staff to find out more about how the centre fits within our overall plans for treatment and care in the area. Alongside the services they provide, centres like this provide fantastic opportunities for shared working with our Local Authority colleagues, this will be of enormous benefit to local people.”
Cllr Robin Woodyatt, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services, said: “We are so pleased the doors are open to this impressive facility, adding to the excellent health and social care provisions within the Caerphilly county borough. The building will act as a hub for the community hosting a range of services to meet a broad range of healthcare and social needs for local residents.
He added: “Working alongside our partners we are able to deliver high quality services in the most efficient way possible. I am sure the facility will become an asset to the community.”
MedicX, the UK healthcare property investor and developer was appointed in 2009 to design and build the centre and the company has worked closely with Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Caerphilly County Borough Council, the Welsh Government and local GPs to design a modern purpose built health and social care facility.
A Community Forum, made up of local residents, voluntary organisations, elected members and health and social care professionals, were involved in the planning, ensuring a local say on the facilities offered.
