The Health Minister, Edwina Hart, will today officially open two state-of-the-art facilities in West Wales that will speed up treatment and improve patient care.
The £6.6million Assembly Government-funded Breast Care Unit at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, will create a centre of excellence for breast care services.
The centre will provide additional consultation and examination rooms, lymphoedema services, chemotherapy, an extension to surgical wards, a dedicated 3D mammography room and associated treatment rooms – enabling patients to receive their breast care needs promptly and efficiently within the one unit.
Mrs Hart said:
“I am extremely pleased to officially open these new developments which will greatly improve patient care and the working environment for staff.
“The new Breast Care Unit at Prince Philip Hospital will build on the hospital’s reputation for breast cancer services and speed up diagnosis and treatment and reduce the number of visits to hospital.
“I would like to pay tribute Mr Simon Holt, the consultant oncologist, who has been instrumental in the development of this service. It is also important to recognise the work of the patients who have had their say on the unit’s development and the general community for the £850,000 raised in addition to the funding from the Assembly Government.
“Swift diagnosis and treatment reduces the anxiety experienced by patients and their carers and will reduce the devastating impact that cancer can have on individuals and families and friends.”
Mr Simon Holt, Consultant Oncologist at Prince Philip Hospital, added:
“We are very grateful to the Welsh Assembly Government, and the generosity of the general public, which has made this expansion possible. Breast cancer is now a curable disease for most women but it is important that we not only support women’s physical recovery but give them the confidence to get back to a normal life as soon as they can. This breast care centre will ensure we are not only offering our patients the best medical care, but also the best psychological support as well.”
The Minister will also officially open the new £10.3million Assembly Government-funded Emergency and Urgent Care Centre at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.
The new centre will be one of the first of its type in Wales and will offer a new service – called Urgent Care Pembrokeshire – which will bring together emergency, urgent care and social services under one roof for the first time. It will also incorporate GP Out of Hours services.
Mrs Hart added:
“This Welsh Assembly Government investment in Withybush Hospital further demonstrates my commitment to ensure there is a long-term future for the hospital.
“This new Emergency and Urgent Care Centre will simplify access to healthcare services for patients and help to reduce waiting times.
“This will mean that patients have access to a range of healthcare services under one roof and will be guided to the appropriate health professional. It is hoped that with an increase in the number of assessment and ‘see and treat’ rooms will reduce the number of patients admitted to hospital as they may be treated within the department. This will improve care for patients and reduce pressure on staff.”
Clinical Director at Withybush Hospital Dr Iain Robertson-Steel said:
“The new Emergency and Urgent Care Centre, made possible thanks to Welsh Assembly Government investment, is purpose designed for modern healthcare, with the very best equipment and new models of care that will create a much more integrated and responsive service.”
Chris Martin, chair of Hywel Dda Health Board, which runs both Prince Philip and Withybush Hospitals, said:
“These two projects, as well as exciting developments on-going at Bronglais and West Wales General Hospitals, demonstrate the commitment this Health Board has to developing and improving its hospitals to ensure they are fit for delivery of the very best healthcare to our local populations.”
