Plans to speed up improved access to kidney dialysis in West Wales have today taken a step forward after Labour's Health Minister Edwina Hart today approved the plans. Work will get under way shortly on the development of interim facilities at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest before a permanent renal unit is built.
Patients are expected to benefit from the new temporary solution by the end of the year.
Edwina Hart said: “I am committed to improving access to renal services across Wales. Currently, patients have to travel to Carmarthen and Swansea several times a week for dialysis which can be very draining. The new interim facilities, which should be in place by the end of the year, will improve the care for patients and reduce the need to travel which will help improve their health and quality of life.
“I expect to receive a detailed business case from the Hywel Dda NHS Trust by the end of July on a permanent renal unit, for my consideration. The permanent unit will take some three years before it is completed and therefore I approved the interim solution so that patients can benefit from improved services much sooner. The permanent unit, which is expected to be in place by early 2011, will have a planned capacity for 21 dialysis stations, to cope with any future increased demand.”
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