Health Minister gives go-ahead to £1.4m transformation of emergency care services at Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital

A £1.4m investment to re-develop emergency care services at Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital has been approved by the Welsh Government, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford announced today (Thursday 7th January 2016).

The investment will allow Hywel Dda University Health Board to re-model the hospital to implement the new model for emergency care, which will see people being treated more quickly, by the right person, first time.

Under the new model, patients who arrive via a 999 emergency ambulance or who are referred to the hospital by a GP will be taken straight into the redesigned acute medical admissions unit (AMAU). A resuscitation area will be created in the AMAU along with a stroke diagnosis (FAST positive) bed. This area will also have a six-chair ambulatory care area.

‘Walk-in patients’ who arrive at what is the current front door will be triaged to be cared for by either an experienced enhanced nurse practitioner or a GP.

Patients needing the frailty service will be directed to the multidisciplinary team, while people needing mental health services will have access to acute assessment within the new department.

The new model for unscheduled care at Prince Philip Hospital has been designed by clinical staff and has been backed by the Royal College of Physicians, Llanelli Rural District Council, Hywel Dda Community Health Council, patient groups and SOSSPAN.

The new centre will be opened at the end of May 2016.

Mark Drakeford said:

“I’m pleased to announce this investment, which will transform emergency care services at Prince Philip Hospital to ensure patients are seen by the right person, in the right place, first time.

“This investment will also show the people of Llanelli and the surrounding area that Prince Philip Hospital has a very bright future in providing excellent healthcare.”

Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, Bernadine Rees said:

“Prince Philip Hospital has always been highly regarded, and I am delighted that the Welsh Government has allocated funding for the Front of House project.

“This represents the fulfilment of a promise to the people of Llanelli that we take their care needs very seriously, and aim to deliver a service model that is fit to meet the changing demands of healthcare in the 21st Century.

“We couldn’t have done this without developing excellent working links with local communities, and I would like to extend my deep thanks to everyone involved who has worked tirelessly to help deliver this project.”

Hywel Dda University Health Board Chief Executive Steve Moore said:

“We’re delighted that the Welsh Government is investing in this exciting and innovative project at Prince Philip Hospital.

“The health board launched the project using local funding owing to the importance we have placed on it, but we are very pleased that the Welsh Government has today endorsed it in full.

“We are proud of this clinically-led scheme, which will deliver a model of care fit for the 21st century. It will focus on six different areas – acute medicine, frailty, mental health, substance misuse, minor illnesses and minor injuries – and will ensure that people who come into the hospital see the best person, delivering the best treatment, as quickly as possible.”