Building work is well underway to prepare for refurbishing and modernising Ward 10 in Withybush Hospital.

When completed, the modern, purpose built inpatient facility will provide the necessary improved environment in which to care for designated oncology and haematology patients, and those with complex palliative care needs. Building work has started on the Ward 9 area which, once completed, will be used to care for Ward 10 patients whilst the building works on Ward 10 are carried out early next year. Ward 10 will then reopen before the end of December 2019.

Mr. Andrew Burns, Hospital Director at Withybush said: “I’m delighted that, following confirmation of generous funding of £3.15m from the Welsh Government, which was supported by the significant charitable funds raised by Pembrokeshire people, these enabling works have started and we are all looking forward to seeing the project through to completion at the end of 2019.”

Helen Johns, Senior Sister on Ward 10 added: “We’re excited to see this work start, taking us another step closer to having an improved ward environment for our patients, their families and our staff.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to people in our Pembrokeshire communities and particularly to our local charities and fundraisers for their fantastic support and generosity over recent years.”

Whilst the majority of funding for the development is provided by Welsh Government, over £476,086 of charitable donations are contributing to the scheme from the health board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal.

Lyn Neville, Elly’s father, commented: “Elly’s appeal has now reached over £171,500 and as a family, we want to thank everyone who has contributed to help provide extra support for patients on Ward 10.”

The fully refurbished designated oncology, haematology and palliative care ward will provide five en-suite beds for neutropenic sepsis patients and those requiring isolation facilities. Two single bedded bays would also be provided to enable greater privacy during care along with smaller bays (2 x 4 bedded bays and 1 x 3 bedded bay). There will also be an improved overnight facility for relatives plus a dedicated day room.

For the latest news and updates from Hywel Dda University Health Board visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk