Plans to improve health and social care by developing a new community ‘hub’ in Machynlleth are under way following approval of £15million capital funding from Welsh Government.
The development at the Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital will firmly establish Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital as an integrated health and well-being facility for the local community. As well as integrating primary care services into the hospital site, the facility will also provide a base for health, local authority and third sector teams, encouraging improved integration and efficiency and supporting wellbeing, prevention and health promotion.
The programme also includes essential works to improve the fabric of the building. The Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital was originally built in 1860 as the Machynlleth Union Workhouse. Later it became the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and then the Machynlleth Chest Hospital before assuming its present role. The building therefore has particular historic significance for the local community.
Welsh Government Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This investment will deliver much needed improvements to the hospital, which will make a real difference to the people in the Dyfi Valley. “It will help to deliver more care closer to home, which is one of our key priorities for patient care, and will reshape community health and well-being services for the future.”
Hayley Thomas, Director of Planning & Performance from PTHB said: “This £15million capital investment from Welsh Government will provide a base for health, local authority and voluntary sector partners to work together in ever more integrated ways to focus on wellbeing, offer early help and support, and provide joined up care. This is an important step in the delivery of the Health and Care Strategy for Powys, developed in partnership with Powys County Council and the people and communities of Powys.”
The three GP partners from Dyfi Valley Health added: “By bringing the GP practice into the heart of the Community Wellbeing Hub we will be able to work even closer together to NHS, social care and third sector colleagues to provide truly joined up care and wellbeing for local patients.”
As the coronavirus restrictions ease we look forward to arranging events and activities with the communities to create an exciting development that can play its full part in the health and wellbeing of the area. More information will be able available from our website at https://pthb.nhs.wales/find/broddyfi
The overall programme of work is expected to take around 18 months to complete, with the new facility available by early 2023.
Capital funding for the Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital development was approved by previous Health Minister Vaughan Gething.