Cardiff’s health services received a boost in the form of £15.8million from the Welsh Government. The funding will allow work to start on the provision of a range of services at Cardiff Royal Infirmary (CRI).
Part of the city’s Victorian hospital will be converted into a “one-stop shop” for the key services for the local community. The first phase of the redevelopment includes two GP practices and a pharmacy, adding to the services already provided on site which includes out-of-hours, therapies, outpatients, mental health and substance misuse services.
The development also includes a major upgrade for Cardiff’s sexual health services. The city has the largest Integrated Sexual Health Service in Wales, providing care to around 50,000 people each year. In future, sexual health services will be provided in a purpose-built environment and patients will benefit from all services being located on one site.
Confirming the funding during a visit to the CRI site today, Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said the redevelopment will improve access to healthcare for the people in the south and east of Cardiff and help to relieve pressure on acute hospital services.
Lesley Griffiths said,
“Approval of funding for the CRI means the people of Cardiff can look forward to this city centre hospital being given a new lease of life.
“The building itself is a Cardiff landmark and this investment will put it back on the map as a vital part of the area’s health service. In time, local people will be able to access many of the most commonly-required services under one roof.
“The whole scheme is in keeping with the aims of the Welsh Government’s vision for the NHS in Wales, Together for Health, which is based around community services with patients at the centre, and places prevention, quality and transparency at the heart of healthcare.”
David Francis, Chair of Cardiff and Vale UHB added,
“The redevelopment of the CRI provides a unique opportunity to deliver high quality health, social care and wellbeing services. The CRI is an iconic building and it’s great to be breathing new life into it.
“We are delighted with today’s announcement, which is a major step forward in helping us deliver on our commitment to provide services more locally whenever possible and appropriate.”
Sue Revell, CRI Project Development Manager concluded,
“This is a very happy day for staff, and for patients, and for all those who have worked with us to reach this stage of the project successfully. We are thrilled to be able to proceed with the next phase of restoring the CRI as a centre of excellence, promoting the health and wellbeing of the local community.”
