Thursday, 2 August 2012
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has officially opened the new emergency care centre at Prince Charles Hospital, admitting it “probably is the best” in Wales.
 Health Minister Lesley Griffiths and Cwm Taf Health Board chief executive Allison Williams at the emergency care centre plaque unveiling.
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The £29m centre, and the day surgery unit, is the second phase of the work at the hospital in the heart of Merthyr Tydfil. It will improve the privacy and dignity for patients as well as the environment for treating patients.
The centre also provides redesigned facilities for trauma, medical and surgical assessment services.
Mrs Griffiths said: “The people of Merthyr Tydfil can come to this centre with faith in the excellent staff here, to help them in their hour of need.
“It will speed up their treatment and substantially improve the emergency care environment for all patients, including improved privacy and dignity. I am sure the staff appreciate the much improved facilities as much as the patients.
“This investment of £29m in the emergency care centre is just part of the commitment to the major role that Prince Charles Hospital will continue to play in the region.
“You cannot fail to see the amount of work going on here and I am pleased to continue to support the progress of the business case to redevelop this strategic hospital in the coming years.”
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Replying to Cwm Taf Health Board chairman Dr Chris Jones’ suggestion the new emergency care centre is the “best in Wales”, Mrs Griffiths said, with a wry smile: “It probably is the best.”
Dr Jones added: “This is, beyond doubt, the best A&E facility in Wales. When we talk about taking care to the people who need it the most, this is an example of where the inverse care law is in jeopardy of being diminished.
“These developments, together with the ongoing major ward refurbishment programme, reinforces the importance of Prince Charles Hospital and its future role in the provision of healthcare in South Wales.”
Huw Lewis, Labour AM for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, who also attended the opening of the emergency care centre and day surgery unit, said it – and the soon-to-open Keir Hardie Health Park – are examples of the new way of delivering healthcare.
He added: “This demonstrates a vote of confidence in this area. Prince Charles Hospital is a strategic place and it is moving into its true role of providing healthcare services for the geographical area covering the A465 Heads of the Valleys, Merthyr Tydfil and south Powys.”
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Health Minister Lesley Griffiths talking to staff at the emergency care centre in Prince Charles Hospital.
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Source:
Cwm Taf Health Board
