Assurance on ward closure at Bronglais Hospital
Hywel Dda Health Board has assured the public that the closure of Afallon ward in Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, is temporary.
The closure was necessary because it was not a safe environment for patients or staff due to recruitment issues.
At this week’s public meeting in Aberystwyth on the health board’s Your Health Your Future Consulting our Communities, the health board emphasised the importance of mental health services.
Chairman Chris Martin said decisions like this are only ever taken when all other options have been exhausted and are taken with a ‘heavy heart’.
He said: “Hywel Dda Health Board has made every effort to maintain the service, including actively trying to recruit staff and improving the ward environment.
“Our priorities are patient safety and staff welfare. To ensure that our patients continue to receive the care they need in a safe environment with appropriately trained staff every effort is being made to ensure the alternative accommodation is suitable for the interim.”
The closure was necessary because it was not a safe environment for patients or staff due to recruitment issues.
At this week’s public meeting in Aberystwyth on the health board’s Your Health Your Future Consulting our Communities, the health board emphasised the importance of mental health services.
Chairman Chris Martin said decisions like this are only ever taken when all other options have been exhausted and are taken with a ‘heavy heart’.
He said: “Hywel Dda Health Board has made every effort to maintain the service, including actively trying to recruit staff and improving the ward environment.
“Our priorities are patient safety and staff welfare. To ensure that our patients continue to receive the care they need in a safe environment with appropriately trained staff every effort is being made to ensure the alternative accommodation is suitable for the interim.”
The health board also dispelled rumours that the relocation was due to cost cutting with Chief Executive Trevor Purt assuring people the budget for staff at the ward was still available and the issue was just being able to recruit specialist staff.
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