Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has today visited women and children’s services at Withybush and Glangwili Hospitals in West Wales.
During his visit Mr Gething was given a tour of the hospitals’ Midwife-Led Unit and Paediatrics Units. He also took the opportunity to meet and talk with staff and women who are receiving care.
Speaking after his visit, Vaughan Gething said:
“It is good to see the changes to women and children’s services made in 2014 have resulted in better patient outcomes and improved compliance with standards.
“This has been backed up by the findings in the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report and everyone involved should be extremely proud of the high levels of care they are providing to mothers and children.”
During the visit to Glangwili Hospital the Cabinet Secretary heard about the local health board’s plans for a ‘Phase Two’ project which aims improve the environment in the labour ward, maternity theatres and the Special Care Baby Unit at Glangwili Hospital.
The Health Secretary said:
“I’m pleased to hear the health board is currently working hard to develop the next stage of its business case for ‘Phase 2’ and they expect to submit it to Welsh Government in September 2016.
“The project will make improvements to women and children’s services at Glangwili Hospital and to hear it is being pursued with pace by Hywel Dda Health Board is very encouraging.
“We look forward to receiving their Outline Business Case in September, followed by a Full Business Case in spring 2017. If we approve this, work on the Carmarthen hospital site could begin soon after.”