Written question WQ100488

I am aware of the planned capacity and configuration of services within the new North Wales Surgical Centre at Llandudno Hospital. However, the detailed design, service model and operational capacity of the facility are matters for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, who are responsible for commissioning and operating the service.

Welsh Government has provided £29.453m capital funding directly to the Health Board to support the development of the Centre and understands that the construction works are nearing completion, with the remaining work focused on the commissioning of equipment and infrastructure before patients can be treated.

Enhanced monitoring of the project is in place, supported by NHS Shared Services Partnership – Specialist Estate Services as technical advisers. Alongside this monitoring, the Welsh Government has strengthened financial oversight through the review of project returns and the introduction of monthly finance-specific meetings to discuss expenditure profiles. This is a complex programme of works and has been disappointingly extended due to a range of delays.

The purpose of the North Wales Surgical Centre is to support the delivery of planned elective care services and help improve patient access to treatment. Decisions regarding the number of theatres, beds, treatment spaces and the overall service capacity are for the Health Board to determine in line with clinical requirements, workforce availability and the needs of the population it serves.

Any comparison between the future capacity of the new facility and existing services at Abergele would therefore be a matter for the Health Board.