Major new health facility planned

A SPECIALIST laboratory where patients’ tissue and cell samples are tested for disease is to be created in Swansea or Llanelli.

- RICHARD YOULE

The £20m-plus cellular pathology centre will serve Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda university health boards and replace outdated laboratories at hospitals within both areas.

The two sites being considered for the service are the new Pentre Awel health and life sciences complex at Delta Lakes, Llanelli, and a building at Swansea Vale, Llansamlet, Swansea.

The Llanelli option is estimated to cost £21m, excluding laboratory costs; the Swansea Vale option, excluding laboratory costs and the purchase of the building, is estimated at £22.8m.

Both health boards have now approved the creation of a regional cellular pathology service and are undertaking an appraisal to determine which of the two sites is preferable.