Proposed plans to modernise the Ward 10 area at Withybush Hospital were supported at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s meeting last week.

Board members approved the proposals to develop the existing Ward 10 area into a modern, purpose built, fit for the future inpatient facility designated to care for oncology and haematology patients, along with those with complex palliative care needs.

The scheme is subject to Welsh Government funding and the Board has now formally approved the business justification case for submission to Welsh Government for its consideration.

The fully refurbished palliative care, haematology and 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 four-bedded bays and one three-bedded bay) would run for oncology, haematology and complex palliative care patients. There will also be an improved overnight facility for relatives, plus a dedicated day room.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, hospital director at Withybush and county director and commissioner for Pembrokeshire, said: “I’m delighted that we are now in a position to submit the business case to Welsh Government and, subject to the necessary approvals, we are hopeful that building works will start next year.”

As agreed by the Board in March, the former Ward 9 area will also be developed to serve as a ward area to allow Ward 10 patients to be cared for while the anticipated building works are carried out on the existing Ward 10, which will close for refurbishment. Developing both Ward 9 and Ward 10 areas consecutively will be more effective and is the best use of the anticipated funding and significant charitable funds raised by Pembrokeshire people.

Helen Johns, senior sister on Ward 10, added: “This is very positive news and is a major step in the right direction to improving the Ward 10 environment for our patients, their families and our staff.”

“We also want to say thank you to the Pembrokeshire community and particularly to our local charities and fundraisers for their fantastic support over recent years.”

Whilst the majority of funding for the development is dependent on securing monies from the Welsh Government, over £423,000 has been raised so far by the health board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal.

Lyn Neville, Elly’s father, commented: “I’m so proud of Elly’s fundraising achievements. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, recently bringing the appeal to an amazing £120,000 to help provide support for cancer patients on Ward 10.

“We have just set in motion arrangements to purchase a bladder scanner, urine analysis machine and two sofa beds for the relatives room.”

The refurbishment of the Ward 10 area represents ‘phase 2’ of the health board’s commitment to improve cancer services in Pembrokeshire (‘phase 1’ being the new completed Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit) and is part of the health board’s wider plans to upgrade a range of dementia friendly facilities for patients at Withybush HospitalFor the latest news and updates from Hywel Dda University Health Board visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk