Building work is expected to start soon on the new Tenby Cottage Hospital. At a meeting of the Local Implementation Group on Friday members were informed that a successful tendering process had taken place for the new building at the town's Butt's Field and a contract would now be awarded to a construction company to undertake the work. It is anticipated that the new development will therefore commence in the very near future with an estimated completion date for the building work this December. Mr. Mansel Thomas, chairman of the group, informed the well-attended meeting that while it was good news that the contract for the building work was to be awarded, it was important not to forget that 10 in-patient beds must also be provided to replace those currently available at the existing hospital. The process of tendering for these beds was ongoing and the Trust reported that a successful outcome was expected in the near future. In response to concerns that these beds would not materialise, Mr. Thomas reported that he had personal assurances from Mr. Frank O'Sullivan, chief executive of Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust, and Bernadine Rees, chief executive of the Pembrokeshire Local Health Board, that these beds will be provided. The Local Implementation Group members were therefore asked to support the awarding of the building contract as it is important that this work progresses as soon as possible. The detail design work for the building has been completed by the various sub-groups, which include Local Implementation Group members. There is however much work to be undertaken to reach agreement regarding equipment, furniture and fitting and colour schemes. The waiting area for the new hospital, in particular needs to have comfortable facilities for patients waiting to be treated in the outpatients department and also in the minor injuries unit. A dedicated children's waiting area has been built into the scheme and the advice of a play therapist has been sought regarding decor and toys. During the meeting, members were informed that security issues associated with the new hospital facility at Butt's Field, remained a high priority and ongoing work was in hand to address these concerns. Mr. Roy Haggar also updated the group on the success of the presentation ceremony to award prizes to local pupils who took part in the competition to design a logo for the new cottage hospital. The new logo would be incorporated into the internal artwork in the new building. In addition, local artists have been asked to put forward ideas of how the new hospital could be decorated in order to reflect the locality and history of the existing hospital. The chairman concluded the meeting by stating that it is 'exciting that this investment is taking place in the locality' and that services for local people will be 'greatly enhanced' as a result.
PODIATRY SERVICES TO RESUME
In response to an enquiry by members, it was reported by a Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust representative, that podiatry services are to be resumed at the existing Tenby Cottage Hospital within the next few weeks. A new podiatry chair has been purchased and delivered to replace the previous equipment. Electricity and plumbing work now needs to be undertaken to install this piece of equipment prior to the recommencement of clinics. This news was well received, as patients have had to travel to Pembroke Dock for their appointments during the time that the Tenby podiatry services were suspended.