Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board representatives were questioned by councillors at this month’s full council meeting. It followed a presentation (you can watch it in full here).
Maesteg Community Hospital refurbishment plans delayed
While there was good news on a programme of refurbishments at Maesteg Community Hospital – namely the completion of a roof replacement – there was some bad news.
A proposed upgrade to the inpatient area has been delayed. The cost was estimated at £650,000, but due to supply chain issues and increased costs of materials, this has risen above £1million. This means the health board needs Welsh Government approval to go ahead. Talks are ongoing.
The Llynfi Ward – temporarily closed at Maesteg Hospital – will continue to be located at the Ysbyty’r Seren field hospital on Bridgend Industrial Estate into 2022 while those discussions with the Welsh Government over the inpatient refurbishment continue.
Talks were also ongoing about urgent repairs required at the Bron-y-Garn GP Surgery which is located at the hospital. This has had a knock-on impact to work in other areas.
Maesteg Hospital closure rumours dismissed
Cllr. Gareth Howells (Lab, Caerau) noted local concerns about delays to refurbishments at Maesteg Hospital but wanted a public statement dismissing rumours that the hospital may close.
Councillors were told the health board was “fully committed” to Maesteg Hospital. They recognise the role it plays in the local community. Whatever happens at the site in the future will be developed based on what the local community wants and needs.
Cllr. Pam Davies (Lab, Bryntirion Laleston & Merthyr Mawr) asked about the status of patients at the relocated Llynfi Ward and the available treatment capacity. She was concerned that Ysbyty’s Seren is “like a big hanger” and there would be problems with isolation and ventilation in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Cllr. Davies was told the temporary ward can take up to 40 patients. They’re mainly older patients who will have been at the Princess of Wales Hospital then discharged to ongoing rehabilitation. The ward is in an area dedicated to that use with proper support for patients such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy. There are isolation facilities if needed.
GPs mobilised to give booster vaccines to housebound patients, but “go to a vaccination centre if you can”
Cllr. Tim Thomas (Propel, Ynysawdre) discussed the issue of primary care services in the Valleys Gateway area. There have been plans for a consultation on extending Tyn-y-Coed Surgery in Sarn, which Cllr. Thomas blamed as being necessary due to “excessive housebuilding in the area”. Was there any progress on this?
Although the matter will be discussed outside the meeting in more detail, councillors were told primary care services are always under review based on expected population growth.
Cllr. Alex Williams (Ind, Penprysg) asked about the Covid booster vaccination programme. Housebound patients have been told to contact GPs and district nurses would then provide home visits. He’s been told this isn’t the case and asked for clarification on what would be happening.
Cllr. Williams was told that all housebound patients will be given a booster jab by the end of December and GPs are being mobilised to help deliver boosters at home where required.
Some people have been asking for house visits when they are not genuinely housebound. If someone can make it to a vaccination centre – whether they have friends, neighbours or family who can take them – they should do so instead of requesting a home visit.
