Proposed plans to significantly refurbish the Ward 10 area at Withybush Hospital were supported at a recent health board meeting.

At the meeting, Hywel Dda University Health Board considered the proposals to develop the existing Ward 10 area into a modern, purpose-built, fit for the future inpatient facility designated to care for palliative care, oncology and haematology patients admitted to Withybush Hospital.

The scheme is subject to Welsh Government funding, however, it is intended that the ward (to be known as the Specialist Palliative Care, Haematology & Oncology Ward) will provide five en-suite beds for neutropenic sepsis patients and those requiring isolation facilities. Two single bedded bays would also be provided to enable greater privacy during care. Smaller bays (two x four bedded bays and one x three bedded bay) would run for oncology, haematology and palliative care patients. There will also be an improved overnight facility for relatives, plus a dedicated day room.

In order for the anticipated building works to be carried out on the existing Ward 10, patients would be cared for in the former Ward 9 area. The board also considered and supported the proposal to develop this area to serve as a temporary ward for the Ward 10 work to take place and then as a fully functioning 14-bedded medical ward in the future.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, hospital director at Withybush and county director and commissioner for Pembrokeshire, said: “We believe that developing both Ward 9 and Ward 10 areas at the same time is more effective and is the best use of the anticipated funding and significant charitable funds raised by Pembrokeshire people.

“We are already preparing the business case for consideration and, subject to the necessary approvals, we are hopeful that building works on the ward can begin next year.”

The University Health Board recognises that the proposal to develop Ward 9 as well as Ward 10 will cause an unavoidable delay of approximately 35 weeks due to detailed design and tendering processes, and is confident that the benefits of doing so warrant such a delay.

Bernardine Rees, OBE, chair of the University Health Board, added: “I wish to thank our staff and stakeholders for their hard work to keep these plans going forward. Our local charities and fundraisers continue to give tremendous support in helping to improve the patient environment and I particularly want to congratulate Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal for recently reaching an amazing milestone of £80,000 which will help to support cancer patients on Ward 10. Well done and thank you Elly and the team.

“We will keenly await the outcome of the business case which is due to be submitted in early 2018 and will keep everyone updated as to progress.”

Whilst the majority of funding for the development is dependent on securing monies from the Welsh Government, more than £375,000 has been raised so far by the University Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal.

For more information or updates about the designated Specialist Palliative Care, Haematology & Oncology Ward, visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/yourfutureservices