BETSI CHIEFS URGED TO 'FACE THE MUSIC' OVER HOSPITAL SCHEME DELAYS

COUNCILLOR: 'I STILL BELIEVE THERE WON'T BE ANY SPADES IN THE GROUND IN 2026'

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

COUNCILLORS want health board chiefs to come and “face the music” after more delays with the redevelopment of Rhyl’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.

In February this year Denbighshire Council's partnerships scrutiny committee was updated by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on plans for the hospital.

At the meeting, councillors were told that the health board is now planning a much smaller building on site than the one originally proposed before the pandemic, having presented a business case to Welsh Government. The committee was informed about the scope of the work and the proposed timescales and the available funding - which is yet to be secured.

The new building is planned as “a third-sector hub” supporting patients, as well as having support services such as catering facilities, reception, and staff rest areas - with a cafe also to be part of the plans.