£2m upgrade begins at Glangwili Hospital to ease pressure on A&E
Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that contractors are now overhauling the hospital’s Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit after receiving £2.096m from Welsh Government.
The health board said the upgrade will create more consultation rooms, a better reception area and an improved environment for patients and staff. According to the board, the expanded SDEC service is expected to ease demand on A&E and support wider efforts to improve patient flow across its acute hospitals and the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.
Project director Keith Jones, Hywel Dda’s Director of Operational Planning and Performance, said the investment would make a significant difference.
“We are very grateful to Welsh Government for the £2.096 million funding that will enable us to increase the capacity of the SDEC at Glangwili,” he said. “This, in turn, will help to reduce capacity pressures on the Emergency Department and enable our staff to provide a much smoother and swifter experience for patients in our care.”
Services on the move during building work
The health board said the refurbishment means several services have been temporarily relocated within the hospital site.
The SDEC unit, along with the Discharge Lounge and Medical Day Unit at the Priory Day Hospital, has moved to Y Lolfa (formerly Padarn Ward). The Cancer Information and Support Service (CISS) and Cancer Psychological Support Service (CaPS) have also moved, though contact details remain unchanged.
Some services — including podiatry, neuro‑rehabilitation and occupational therapy — will stay at the Priory Day Hospital, but access routes have changed while work continues.
Mr Jones said patients have been informed of any changes in their appointment letters.
“We ask patients attending any of the clinics affected to double‑check their appointment letters for information about the location of their treatment,” he said. “Thank you in advance to everyone visiting our site for their patience and understanding while the improvement works are underway.”
Welsh Government: investment will improve urgent care
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said the funding would help improve the experience of patients needing urgent and emergency care.
“I’m pleased this £2m‑plus investment will help to reduce pressures on the emergency department and improve people’s experience when they need emergency and urgent care at Glangwili Hospital,” he said.
“Addressing overcrowding will reduce waits and handover delays, streamline flow through the hospital and improve the experience of patients and staff.”
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