Views from the local community have helped to shape and influence plans for a modern, purpose-built inpatient facility for patients needing specialist palliative care, oncology and haematology inpatient care at Withybush Hospital.

Key stakeholders came together this week to discuss the feedback received from patients, local charities, staff and members of the public during a recent survey and engagement activities about the proposed development at the Haverfordwest hospital.

The main feedback received on the draft plans relate to the location, use and size of rooms and bays, improved equipment and bariatric facilities, increased space for relatives and visitors, and an improved patient environment generally. All the comments have now been considered and where possible incorporated into the new design plans. For example, there will be greater potential for patients to receive therapy treatments at their bedside and better bariatric facilities will be available.

Dr. Iain Robertson-Steel, hospital director at Withybush Hospital, said: “We are delighted with the level of enthusiasm and support shown by our stakeholders.

“The only way to deliver quality services for our population is to do it together and I am grateful that patients, staff, stakeholders and the local community have all taken the time to get involved and share their views with us on this exciting development.”

Staff based in the current Ward 10 recently welcomed the first piece of new equipment, a ‘Sara Steady - Enhanced Standing Aid’, purchased with funds raised by six-year-old Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal. The equipment was chosen by ward sister Helen Johns as an important piece of equipment that will help patients and staff.

Elly’s father, Lyn Neville said: “We are proud to be part of the Ward 10 project. Purchasing the first piece of equipment from Elly’s Appeal shows the public that funds donated will directly help patients on Ward 10 even in advance of the rebuilding of the ward. We would like to thank everyone for their support, encouragement and generosity towards Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal.”

Dr. Robertson-Steel added: “We are very grateful to Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal for this equipment and also for the extraordinary efforts of Team Elly and all the charities and fundraisers who continue to support us in improving services for our patients.

“We will continue to engage and communicate with the local community as we move towards the next phase of this new, modern facility.”

Funds held to date for the Ward 10 development amount to over £330,000 by the University Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Funds and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal. The University Health Board is now preparing a business case for consideration by Welsh Government for the rest of the funding required for the development.

This is just part of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s wider plans to upgrade a range of dementia friendly facilities for patients at Withybush Hospital which continue to progress well. The beginning of July saw the start of construction work on the new Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit (replacing the existing Chemotherapy Day Unit). Work has also started on Ward 14 to create the new Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit and it is hoped this work will be completed this autumn.

For more information and to view the proposed layout plan, visit http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/page/86137.

If you would like to find out more about Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal or make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/Ward10Flag.