Slimmed-down scheme for new hospital revealed

A "PARED-BACK" scheme for a new hospital in Rhyl has been put out to consultation by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) ahead of a planning application being submitted.

- OWEN HUGHES

This would see a 14-bed hospital ward alongside a new Minor Injuries and Ailments Unit (MIAU), a dental facility and new radiology unit.

Back in 2013 plans for a new £22m hospital in the north Wales seaside town were backed by the Welsh Government.

Under the proposal the 30-bed facility on the site of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl would have opened in 2016.

But nine years after that projected opening date and the scheme for a new hospital alongside a revamp of the existing building has still not started.

Planning permission was secured in 2020 but the Covid pandemic and subsequent spiralling inflation saw it stall.

A planning statement for the latest scheme said: "Planning permission for a previous design scheme for a new community hospital building at the site was originally granted permission back in 2020.

"However, progression of the previous redevelopment scheme was hit by implications from the Covid pandemic, and in turn significant increased development costs.