Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed news that work on the new North Denbighshire Community Hospital is set to start no later than December 3rd, subject to capital funding being released by the Welsh Government.
Last month James contacted Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to request an update on the development, situated on the site of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl, and was pleased to be told in a response from the Chief Executive that an agreement has been reached with the contractor “based upon a start date of no later than 3rd December 2021”.
Welcoming progress James said:
“Having been involved in this project since its instigation, I have been keeping a close eye on its development and I am therefore very pleased to hear that work could get underway very soon. Obviously, this is subject to the capital funding being released by the Welsh Government and I really hope there are no delays on this front. Residents have been waiting long enough for this development.”
The response from the Chief Executive states:
“Following submission of the revised Full Business Case to the Welsh Government on 8th March 2021, the Health Board received a number of comments and questions as part of the Welsh Government’s scrutiny process. A full response was provided by the Health Board to the scrutiny questions on 28th April 2021 and we are now awaiting final confirmation of Welsh Government capital funding.
“NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership – Specialist Estates Services (NWSSP-SES) subsequently requested additional information, including: The full business case assumed a start on site date in May 2021; NWSSP-SES requested that the contractor update their price based upon a start on site of third quarter 2021.
“I am pleased to confirm that we have now reached agreement with the contractor based upon a start date of no later than 3rd December 2021. Our Cost Advisors have confirmed that the revised price is reasonable and in their professional opinion represents value for money.
“As a consequence, I can now confirm that all outstanding information has been provided to NWSSP-SES and I am hopeful that this important project will soon receive the final funding approval to proceed.”
James added:
“This new hospital is much needed in the area and local residents are really looking forward to being able to easily access the modern healthcare facilities they require and deserve.
“It was first promised in 2012, so it has been a long time coming. However, with a start date now in the diary, I am hopeful that we will see considerable progress very soon.
“I will continue to liaise with the Health Board and keep residents updated on progress.”
Services at the new hospital will include community beds, a same-day minor injuries and illness service, a treatment zone, and outpatient therapy and IV therapy services.
Sexual health, community dental, radiology, adult psychology, older people’s mental health, and child and adolescent mental health services will also be provided from the site.
Further, the development will incorporate infrastructure improvements, including multi-disciplinary working spaces and car parking enhancements.
