Plans to turn a former office block in Aberaeron into a brand new Integrated Care Centre with health and social care services have been sent to Welsh Government officials for consideration.
Hywel Dda University Health Board has submitted a Business Justification Case (BJC) to Welsh Government for the refurbishment of Minaeron in order to provide integrated and sustainable services to Aberaeron and the surrounding area.
Aberaeron Hospital requires around £1.4m to be spent on it to make it fit for patient care. A recent appraisal concluded that it is not fit for purpose and not conducive to the provision of modern day health care provision.
Minaeron is a two-storey building originally built in the 1970s, which the Health Board acquired in April 2017 with the support of Welsh Government funding. It offers significant improvements both in terms of physical access and service provision, with the planned inclusion of Tanyfron GP Practice leading to a truly integrated centre leading to significant improvements in patient pathways.
The development of the Aberaeron Integrated Care Centre will house a number of services including:
• GP Practice;
• Clinical Services and support staff from Aberaeron Hospital;
• Community Nursing services;
• Third Sector;
• Office staff currently based at Felinfach property;
• Existing staff currently based at Minaeron –Ceredigion county management team;
• Public Health staff from Tregaron (subject to consultation);
• Local Authority Social Services and Porth Gofal Mental Health staff;
• Additional staff from Bronglais or other HB facilities who were relocated when the Aberaeron Hospital upper floor was vacated.
Peter Skitt, County Director for Ceredigion, said: “We’re pleased to announce that we have submitted the Business Justification Case for the refurbishment of Minaeron to Welsh Government as the next stage of our journey towards developing an Integrated Care Centre for Aberaeron.
“A while ago we identified that the model of community services developed for Ceredigion reinforced the need for services to remain based in Aberaeron. We have explored a number of alternative solutions within the Aberaeron locality, however they have been deemed to be non-viable.
This BJC describes the case for change, the process followed to explore alternative solutions, and outlines plans to implement the preferred option.
“This project will provide opportunities for service development, multidisciplinary and co-operative working across boundaries of care, to enable improvements in patient care and assist in addressing future challenges.
“We will be holding a drop-in event in March for the public to come along and see our plans and to get a better idea about how this exciting new project will be of benefit to them when it comes to fruition.”
County Councillor Catherine Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Social Services, added: “This is a great example of how we can work together with our partners to ensure better outcomes for the residents of Aberaeron, and Ceredigion as a whole.”
07/03/2018