Hywel Dda to explore more than 100 new ideas for local health services

The Board recently sought views on its Clinical Services Plan (CSP), which looks at potential changes in critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology.

Thousands of responses

Around 4,000 responses were received through questionnaires, events and engagement activities. Feedback included views on the options already put forward, their potential impacts, and fresh ideas suggested by members of the public.

The Health Board, working with independent company Opinion Research Services, is now reviewing all of the responses.

‘We need to do justice to new ideas’

Medical Director Mark Henwood said:

“We have been really pleased with levels of engagement in the consultation from our communities. This has presented to us new ideas which we need to explore and, to do justice, will need to go through the same thorough process as options presented in the consultation.”

Next steps

• An update on the consultation feedback will be presented at the Board’s November 2025 meeting.
• A full consultation report is expected to be published in January 2026.
• An extraordinary Board meeting in February 2026 will decide the future of the nine services.

Wider pressures on west Wales healthcare

The consultation comes against a backdrop of wider concerns about the future of hospital services in west Wales:

• Earlier this year, campaigners warned that urgent investment is needed in west Wales hospitals, after plans for a new build were pushed back by a decade, raising fears about the resilience of existing sites.
• In Llanelli, councillors have cautioned against any further service losses at Prince Philip Hospital, where the Minor Injuries Unit has already faced overnight closures and is now at the centre of a crunch decision on its long‑term future.
• In Llandovery, the Health Board has confirmed the town’s hospital is safe from closure, though X‑ray services remain under review due to outdated equipment and staffing pressures.
• Alongside the consultation, Hywel Dda has also launched a new Research and Innovation Strategy, aiming to expand clinical trials and partnerships across the region, with a focus on cancer, respiratory disease, women’s health and digital care.

How ideas will be assessed

All new suggestions will be tested against “hurdle criteria” to check if they are:

• Clinically sustainable
• Deliverable
• Accessible
• Aligned with the Health Board’s long‑term strategy
• Financially sustainable

A group of staff, stakeholders and patient representatives will also consider the accessibility impacts for communities, before an options development group scores viable ideas to weigh up their strengths and weaknesses.

Mr Henwood added:

“We cannot speculate at this stage on which ideas will become options, but the whole consultation process is both challenging and supporting work done to date and ensuring we have a range of strong options for the future.”

Related health stories

Calls grow for urgent investment in west Wales hospitals
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Councillor warns against further service losses in Llanelli
Independent councillor Sean Rees says Prince Philip Hospital cannot afford to lose more services as consultation continues.

Llandovery Hospital safe from closure, confirms Hywel Dda
Health Board reassures residents the hospital will remain open, though X‑ray services face review.

Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit faces crunch decision
The future of the MIU at Prince Philip Hospital is set to be decided after months of reduced hours and public protests.

Hywel Dda launches new strategy to expand clinical research
A five‑year plan aims to grow clinical trials, boost innovation and improve patient access to new treatments across west Wales.

#ClinicalServicesPlan #criticalCare #dermatology #emergencyGeneralSurgery #endoscopy #GlangwiliHospital #HywelDdaNHS #HywelDdaUniversityHealthBoard #Opthalmology #Orthopeadic #PrincePhilipHospital #radiology #Stroke #Urology #WithybushHospital

Calls grow for urgent investment in west Wales hospitals as new-build plan pushed back a decade

The board had proposed a £1.2 billion facility between St Clears and Whitland to replace key services at Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital and Haverfordwest’s Withybush Hospital. Two sites were shortlisted in 2023 after a lengthy selection process — which, a BBC Wales freedom of information request has revealed, cost the health board more than £1.2 million. No land has yet been purchased, and the health board now says the project is on hold for the long term.

‘We can’t wait for the new hospital’

Hywel Dda chief executive Prof Phil Kloer said he was making a “strong case” to the Welsh Government for immediate investment in existing sites.

“I think there is an understanding that we have ageing infrastructure, and it does need investment, and we can’t wait for the new hospital before that happens,” he said. “Some of this will depend on the results of the consultation and our deliberations following that. There’s a lot of discussion to be had on how best to direct any investment we get.”

The board’s Clinical Services Plan consultation, which closed on 31 August, set out proposals to tackle problems in nine “fragile” services, including potential changes to stroke care at Bronglais and Glangwili, and centralisation of other specialist services.

Pressure across the region

With the new-build delayed for at least a decade, attention has turned to the hospitals that will have to carry the load in the meantime — not just Glangwili and Withybush, but also Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital.

Campaigners in Llanelli point to the hospital’s role in acute medical assessment, elective surgery and its Minor Injury Unit, arguing that sustained capital investment is essential to keep pace with demand. Prince Philip has been at the centre of community activism for years, with local groups lobbying for expanded services and modern facilities after the loss of its A&E department.

Plaid Cymru councillor Gareth John said it was “very unlikely” a new hospital would be funded “any time soon” and urged ministers to modernise Glangwili, while also ensuring Prince Philip receives the upgrades it needs.

“We have to invest in our general hospital, bring it up to a modern age, bring new equipment and diagnostics and buildings up… to give our staff a fighting chance and work in a decent, modern environment,” he said. He also called for “heavy” investment in community services, primary care and suitable accommodation to speed up patient discharge, warning of a “distinct lack of capital investment” in west Wales “going back decades”.

Conservative Senedd member Sam Kurtz said the Welsh Government should “invest in the infrastructure that already exists”.

“There should be investment at Glangwili, at Withybush Hospital and Bronglais. Why not invest in those sites that we’ve already got? This is about ensuring that patients and the population of west Wales have the services they deserve.”

Government response

The Welsh Government said it was working with Hywel Dda on its future requirements and had invested over £500 million in the NHS Wales estate and infrastructure last year.

#Aberystwyth #BronglaisHospital #Carmarthen #GlangwiliHospital #Haverfordwest #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #PrincePhilipHospital #WithybushHospital

Llandovery Hospital safe from closure, confirms Hywel Dda Health Board

The consultation, held on 17 July, focused on proposed changes to nine clinical services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire — including radiology, which is currently offered at Llandovery just one day a week. Under the draft options, X-ray services could be relocated to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, due to staffing pressures and outdated equipment.

“There are no plans or decisions ongoing about closing Llandovery Hospital,” said Medical Director Mark Henwood. “We’ve heard the passion the community has for local services very clearly. The hospital remains open and continues to provide a wide range of care.”

That care includes everything from palliative and end-of-life support to a busy schedule of outpatient clinics — including diabetic retinopathy, memory services, continence care, musculoskeletal treatment, physiotherapy, podiatry, minor surgery, midwifery, phlebotomy, smoking cessation, and more.

The hospital’s X-ray machine, donated by the community years ago, now struggles to meet modern imaging standards. Some patients already need to travel to larger hospitals for scans, and if the service is retained locally, the equipment would need replacing.

“We’re extremely grateful to the League of Friends and the community for their continued support,” Henwood added. “Our staff are committed, compassionate, and deeply rooted in the area.”

Chief Operating Officer Andrew Carruthers said the hospital’s broader future isn’t part of the current consultation, but the board is keen to continue conversations with residents — especially as part of its wider Healthier Mid and West Wales strategy.

Locals can share their views on the nine services under review — including stroke, emergency surgery and urology — via the Clinical Services Consultation or by calling 0300 303 8322 (option 5). Broader feedback on community health priorities can be submitted through the Have Your Say strategy portal.

More health and community stories from Llanelli

Councillor warns against further service losses in Llanelli amid health board consultation
Published July 2025: Local leaders raise concerns over potential cuts to clinical services and the impact on community care provision.

Final days to have your say on future of Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit
Published July 2025: Residents urged to take part in consultation as Hywel Dda Health Board reviews urgent care services in the town.

Town council leader criticises proposals to move drug rehabilitation centre to popular Llanelli retail park
Published July 2025: Cllr David Darkin voices opposition to plans that could see a rehab facility relocated to a busy shopping area.

#GlangwiliHospital #HywelDdaNHS #Llandovery #LlandoveryHospital #PrincePhilipHospital #radiology

Carmarthen nurse bowled over with MBE honour

Anwen received the prestigious honour in recognition of her outstanding contribution to sport and to nursing and cancer care.

Part of the team at Glangwili Hospital, Anwen has been a pillar of support for patients and families across West Wales, combining clinical excellence with deep compassion over her distinguished 30-year career.

In addition to her clinical leadership, Anwen is also known nationally and internationally, having represented Wales in bowls since 1988. In 2022, she was named Team Wales captain for the Commonwealth Games.

“Anwen’s dedication to her patients and her profession is truly inspiring,” said Sharon Daniel, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Executive Director of Nursing, Quality & Patient Experience. “She leads with humility, compassion and strength, and this honour is a fitting tribute to her decades of service and the lives she has touched.”

Reflecting on the award, Anwen Butten said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. Nursing has been my life’s work and passion, and I’ve been privileged to care for so many incredible people. This recognition is not just for me, but for the entire Head and Neck Cancer team and the wider Hywel Dda family who support and inspire me every day.”

The Health Board say they extend their warmest congratulations to Anwen and her family on the well-deserved recognition.

#Cancer #Carmarthen #GlangwiliHospital #HeadAndNeckCancer #HMKingCharlesIII #HywelDdaUniversityHealthBoard #MBE

Four hospitals to install defibrillators that the public can use

Hywel Dda University Health Board have announced that members of the public now have access to four new defibrillators on each of its main hospital sites. 

These are at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen at the main entrance by the hospital sign, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli by the bus stop at the entrance to the hospital, Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth by the pharmacy entrance and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at the roundabout on the main entrance.

The health board says this has been made possible by collaboration between the health board and Save a Life Cymru to install public access defibrillators for use in the community. 

It added that for every minute that CPR and defibrillation is not commenced the chance of survival decreases by 10%. Immediate CPR and early defibrillation can significantly increase survival.

Save a Life Cymru provided the four defibrillators at no cost to the health board. The defibrillators are housed in heated cabinets and will be checked regularly by volunteer ‘guardians’. Each public access defibrillator is registered with the National Defibrillator Network (The Circuit) and this means that should they be needed, the 999 ambulance call taker will be able to direct someone to them.  

The defibrillators are said to be really easy to use and offer voice prompts. In the event of a cardiac arrest, members of the public will need to call 999. They will be advised where the nearest defibrillator is located and to follow the instructions provided (visual, phone, defibrillator) while performing CPR and providing defibrillation. Never stop CPR, always send someone else to fetch the defibrillator for you.

Professor Len Nokes, Chair of Save a Life Cymru said: “We are delighted to have provided new public access defibrillators at four key locations on the Hywel Dda estate. This gives the surrounding communities and visitors to these sites 24/7 access to lifesaving defibrillators. We know that for every minute someone’s in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR and having a defibrillator used on them, their chance of survival decreases by 10%. 

“Marc Gower, our Save a Life Cymru’s Community Co-ordinator in west Wales, will be supporting the defibrillator guardians to make sure defibrillators continue to be registered on The Circuit so that their locations are made available to the Welsh Ambulance Service.  This will ensure that the 999 call takers can direct a bystander to a registered defibrillator and help save more lives.”

Dr Eiry Edmunds, Interim Deputy Medical Director for Acute for the health board said: “I am proud of our collaboration with Save a Life Cymru to ensure public access defibrillators are available at our hospital sites. This collaboration provides potentially lifesaving equipment for our communities.”

Mark Henwood, Executive Medical Director at the health board, said: “I am very pleased to hear that we are the second health board in Wales to engage with Save a Life Cymru to provide public access defibrillators. This will be a great development for the health of our communities and will save lives. I wish to personally thank Save a Life Cymru, all those individuals who have donated and also the volunteer guardians.”

#Aberystwyth #BronglaisHospital #Carmarthen #defibrillators #GlangwiliHospital #Haverfordwest #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #PrincePhilipHospital #SaveALifeCymru #WithybushHospital

New Carmarthen maternity and neonatal facilities officially opened

Following a £25.2m Welsh Government investment, Hywel Dda Health board say that the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), delivery suites and obstetric theatre accommodation at the Carmarthen hospital have been modernised for the benefit of families across mid and west Wales.

The health board say the purpose built SCBU provides high dependency and special care level of care to premature and unwell newborn babies, with improved facilities and modern technology.

Welcoming its first families in 2022, the clinical space meets national guidance with four ensuite overnight rooms for parents and a family sitting room. The environment has also significantly improved the patient and staff experience in line with Bliss and UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiatives.

The labour ward, which also opened for use in 2022, includes five standard ensuite birthing rooms, one birthing room with a fixed pool, and one birthing room equipped to deal with multiple or complex births. This is in addition to the Midwife Led Unit (MLU).

Improvements to the theatres were completed in 2023 to meet the requirements of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Review and includes an additional obstetric theatre and anaesthesia room. This can allow for both elective and emergency procedures to be undertaken at the same time.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles said: “It was fantastic to officially open the new maternity and neonatal facilities at Glangwili Hospital today, and to see how our investment into these state-of-the-art facilities will support staff to continue delivering high quality care to families closer to home and help give the most vulnerable babies in our communities, the best possible start to life.

“I’d like to thank all the dedicated staff who are caring for and supporting babies and families each day.”

Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of Hywel Dda UHB, said: “It is wonderful to come together today to celebrate the official opening of this important development.

“I’d like to thank and congratulate all involved who have ensured our mid and west Wales communities have access to modern facilities that improve the well-being and experience of babies, their families and staff.”

Lisa Humphrey, General Manager for Women and Children’s Services at Hywel Dda UHB, commented: “As project director I would like to thank all of the parents, staff and the contractors for their contribution to the delivery of this scheme.

“Having up-to-date facilities enhances the delivery of high-quality care that the team already provide in an environment that improves well-being for babies, their families and staff.”

(Lead image: Hywel Dda NHS)

#Carmarthen #GlangwiliHospital #HywelDdaNHS #maternity #maternityUnit #neonatal #neonatalUnit

Scarlets players join Gavin Griffiths Group and Santa in festive visit to Glangwili Hospital

Over the last month or so, our main sponsors have been collecting donations from local businesses, while supporters have also been dropping off toys in our special collection box at Parc y Scarlets.

Gavin Griffiths Group not only delivered a skip full of toys for the children in Glangwili, but also gave Santa and his helper a lift to Carmarthen as well!

Scarlets Ryan Elias, Harri O’Connor, Dan Davis and Josh Morse were on hand to give out the pressies, including some Scarlets rugby balls and rucksacks.

Toys will also be delivered to the Hywel Dda Charities Wish Fund as part of our partnership with the charity which provides special experiences for children, including a visit to Parc y Scarlets to meet the full squad.

Scarlets released the following post on Facebook:

“It was a privilege to visit the patients, families, and wonderful staff on Cilgerran ward at Glangwili Hospital to deliver the toys that have been donated to the @gavin_griffiths_group Fill a Skip Campaign.

“A big thank you to @gavin_griffiths_group and @hywelddacharities The Wish Fund for making today possible, and to those who donated to the campaign.

“Thank you very much for letting us come and distribute the presents today. It was a great honor to spend time with the children. Merry Christmas.” 

[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]

#FillASkip #GavinGriffithsRecycling #GlangwiliHospital #HywelDdaCharitiesWishFund #Scarlets