Plans for a multi-million- pound redevelopment of Morriston Hospital have moved a step closer, Assembly Health Minister Edwina Hart announced today.
The hospital will receive around £59.5 million for the work — which includes a new outpatients department and updating its accident and emergency unit.
The Welsh Assembly said the new plans by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board would reduce duplication of surgical and outpatient services in Swansea, as well as its associated costs.
The development will also include the replacement of the 1940s buildings on the Morriston site.
Plans include a new endoscopy suite, an updated outpatient department, with radiology, phlebotomy, preoperative assessment and the diabetic centre, as well as increasing renal dialysis stations from 14 to 25.
In producing the final business case, ABMU will also further develop its redevelopment of Morriston's A&E department — which is estimated to cost £3 million alone.
Health minister Mrs Hart said: "Once completed, this investment will significantly improve care for patients and working environment for staff."
ABMU chairman Win Griffiths, who presides over the 750-bed Morriston Hospital, expressed his delight at the news.
He said: "This investment will help us to enhance the services we provide, and be of great benefit to the people of Swansea and beyond."
An Assembly spokeswoman added £22.2 million of the funds for the work would come from the Assembly's centrally retained capital budget for 2011/12.
South Wales Evening Post - Tuesday, 29 April, 2011.
