Children's Hospital Boost

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths confirmed funding for the development based at the University Hospital of Wales.

 

It will create state-of-the-art wards, critical care facilities, four new operating theatres, a new outpatient department and dental suite, an assessment unit, a new critical care unit, parents’ accommodation and facilities, education and teaching facilities, and a dedicated radiology department.

 

The Minister said: “We aspire to a world-class health service that is available to everyone, irrespective of whom they are or where they live in Wales, and at the time when they need it.

 

“The first phase of the Children’s Hospital has already made a huge difference to the lives of thousands of children from across Wales, providing excellent care and support for their families.

 

“The second phase will mean that all children and young people will receive their care in modern, purpose-built settings, enabling more services to be provided in Wales for the children of Wales.”

 

Work on the extension to the existing building (phase 1, which was completed in February 2005), will begin immediately. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

 

David Francis, the UHB’s Chairman, said: “The approval of the full business case marks the culmination of more than a decade of work by the UHB and its predecessor organisations, the Welsh Government and, significantly, the Noah’s Ark Appeal, without whose tireless support the first phase of the Children’s Hospital of Wales would not have come to fruition."