Written question WQ100430

The Welsh Government continues to support the development of Bronglais Hospital as a key component of healthcare provision for rural communities in Mid and West Wales. Bronglais plays a vital role within the service model of Hywel Dda University Health Board, providing acute, planned and specialist services for people living in Ceredigion, Powys and north Pembrokeshire. The health board's long-term planning recognises the importance of sustaining safe, high-quality services in rural areas and is considering how digital innovation, workforce models and regional collaboration can further strengthen the hospital's role.

Through the health board's clinical strategy and regional planning arrangements, work is progressing to explore how digital services, remote consultations, virtual multidisciplinary working and improved connectivity between organisations can support the ambition for Bronglais Hospital to develop further as a centre of excellence for rural healthcare, whilst ensuring services remain sustainable and accessible for the communities it serves.

I am due to meet the Chair and Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board and will discuss the health board's broader rural health agenda, including the future role of Bronglais Hospital and the contribution that digital technologies can make to improving access to services for rural populations. Discussions will also consider opportunities to strengthen collaboration with Powys Teaching Health Board, reflecting the significant number of patients who access services across organisational boundaries and the importance of delivering integrated care pathways for communities in Mid Wales. The Welsh Government will continue to work closely with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Powys Teaching Health Board and other partners to support the delivery of high-quality, sustainable healthcare for rural communities across Wales.