27.09.12
Three regional centres identified for SWP
Services at hospitals in Wales are to be concentrated in a smaller number of regional centres, through the South Wales Programme (SWP).
Medical professionals believe that specialist services are spread across too many sites, and must be reorganised.
The centres would have major A&E departments, consultant-led obstetric deliveries, inpatient paediatric beds, highly specialised neonatal units, critical care, surgical emergencies and specialist emergency gastroenterology and cardiology.
Morriston Hospital, University of Wales in Cardiff and the new specialist and critical care centre in Gwent have been identified as regional centres. One or two of three other hospitals will also be chosen to form a hub of specialist services.
This could be either the Princess of Wales hospital, Prince Charles or the Royal Glamorgan.
Cwm Taf Health Board medical director Kamal Asaad told the South Wales Evening Post: “It is important to remember this process is not about the future of individual hospitals and the overwhelming majority of patients will continue to be cared for at their local hospital, as they are now.
“Most healthcare is not provided in hospitals, but in the community by family doctors, district nurses, health visitors and the like, and we are continuing to invest heavily in our community services.
“This programme is about a small number of specialist, but important services, which depend on having access to highly-qualified, skilled staff. We have a responsibility to ensure these services are delivered to the highest possible standards for our sickest and most seriously-injured patients, who need highly specialised, consultant-led care.”
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