Update on the Future of Local NHS Clinical Services
Hywel Dda University Health Board – Decisions from 19 February 2026
Hywel Dda University Health Board has now set out the next steps for its Clinical Services Plan, following two days of detailed discussion and the review of an independent consultation report based on 4,000+ public responses.
The plan focuses on nine services most in need of support:
Critical Care, Dermatology, Emergency General Surgery, Endoscopy, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Stroke, Radiology & Urology.
The aim is clear: -
Improve safety, sustainability, staffing, waiting times, and long-term resilience across our region’s hospitals — Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip, and Withybush.
Below is a summary of the key decisions and what they mean for our communities.
Critical Care
A community-suggested model (Option 246) has been chosen.
This will:
• Strengthen staffing by linking teams across hospitals
• Concentrate specialist critical care on fewer sites
• Create an Enhanced Care Unit at Prince Philip Hospital
Patients needing specialist care will be transferred to Glangwili Hospital.
Dermatology
Option C has been approved.
• Specialist care delivered from Prince Philip
• Expanded use of telemedicine and nurse-led clinics in Cardigan & Cross Hands
• Aim: faster access, stronger staffing, and more care closer to home
Some patients may need to travel further for specialist treatment.
Emergency General Surgery
Option A approved.
• Emergency surgery will be delivered from Bronglais and Glangwili
• Same Day Emergency Care Units remain at Glangwili & Withybush
• Patients needing emergency operations from Withybush will be transferred to Glangwili
This aims to create a safer, fully staffed emergency surgery service.
Endoscopy
Option A approved.
• Respiratory & urology endoscopy to be based at Prince Philip Hospital
• GI & bowel screening remains at all current sites
• Further work planned on a potential community endoscopy service
• Additional procedure room to increase capacity
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
Alternative Option 99 approved.
• Main surgery and emergency eye care at Glangwili
• Regular injections & diagnostics provided in Cardigan, North Road, and Aberaeron
• Some services will no longer be provided at Bronglais & Prince Philip
Aim: reduce waiting times and concentrate specialist expertise.
Orthopaedics (Planned Surgery)
Option D approved.
• Withybush expands day-case procedures
• Prince Philip continues more complex planned surgery
• Bronglais expands local provision
• Extended theatre hours to be explored
This will help reduce waiting lists and increase capacity.
Radiology
Community-suggested Option 103 approved.
• 24/7 emergency diagnostic radiology remains at all four hospitals
• Planned diagnostics move to extended hours at Prince Philip and Withybush
• Bronglais retains weekday planned services
• Work begins on a new diagnostic hub (subject to business case)
• X-ray services at Llandovery and South Pembrokeshire will close
Stroke Services
A new combined option (106 + 210) will be explored further.
• Bronglais provides stroke rehabilitation
• Glangwili provides 24-hour specialist stroke care
Further public engagement will take place before a final decision is made.
Urology
Option A approved.
• All inpatient care and a new diagnostic hub at Prince Philip Hospital
• Outpatients and routine tests continue at Bronglais and Withybush
• Glangwili focuses on emergency cases
Aim: reduce waiting times and improve coordination of care.
Future Roles of Local Hospitals
The Board reaffirmed:
• Bronglais – strong local service delivery, some specialist care elsewhere
• Glangwili – main acute & emergency centre
• Prince Philip – expanded planned care for the wider region
• Withybush – expanded planned care but complex emergencies to Glangwili
No changes to A&E or Minor Injury access.
What Happens Next?
• No immediate changes — all hospitals continue as normal
• Detailed implementation plans will be developed over the coming months
• Some changes will take several years
• Further engagement will take place for stroke and other areas
• The Board emphasises safety, staffing, and long-term sustainability as the priority
Full papers & meeting broadcast:
Clinical Services Plan information:
Cllr. Michael Thomas
07852174186
