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Plans for a major redevelopment of Morriston Hospital, Swansea, have moved a step closer, Health Minister Edwina Hart announced.
The Welsh Assembly Government has earmarked almost £60 million for the development.
The hospital has already benefited from over £25 million Assembly Government funding to build a new multi-storey car park and to improve access roads and walkways. The Assembly Government also funded a £10 million extension and refurbishment of the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, which is the regional centre of excellence for Wales and South West of England.
The new plans by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board aim to reduce duplication of surgical and outpatient services in Swansea that will reduce associated costs channelling money to patient care.
The development will include the replacement of the 1940s buildings on the Morriston site.
The plans include:
- An endoscopy suite providing diagnostic internal examinations and facilities that can be used to treat certain conditions, such as gallstones
- A head and neck unit bringing together all Maxillofacial services - which are used to correct a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws - on one site. The new unit will incorporate cleft lip and palate services
- A new outpatient department with radiology, phlebotomy, preoperative assessment and the diabetic centre
- Increasing renal dialysis stations from 14 to 25 and bringing together complex and less complex renal care in one unit
- An integrated education centre for medical education and training
- Improvements to the main entrance the development of retail facilities for staff and patients.
Mrs Hart said: "Once completed, this investment will significantly improve care for patients and working environment for staff. It will reduce duplication of services and any money saved will be pumped back into improving patient care.
"We are maintaining our investment in the health service in cash terms over the next three years – despite the impact of the UK Government’s cuts to the Welsh budget."
(CD/GK)
