Dr James Davies MP welcomes new development proposals at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd which comprise of the following:
- Development of a new mental health unit; and
- Development of a multi-storey car park.
James said: "I am very pleased to have received notification of the development of a new mental health unit which is intended to replace the current Ablett Unit. It has long been my view that local mental health services need greater investment and priority. Along with the new building, however, we need to see a new culture within the health board which puts patients first."
"It is widely known that lack of parking at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is a major issue. Not only is it a great inconvenience to staff, patients and visitors but it often results in missed appointments. Therefore, I am pleased that the development proposal also seeks to improve this longstanding problem.
"Glan Clwyd parking availability is an issue I have raised on a number of occasions in recent years, with both the Chief Executive and Chairman of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). I suggested a multi-storey car park as a long-term solution. Whilst I am supportive of the Park and Ride facility, there are a number of external factors out of the Health Board’s control which may risk its future viability, and this was always intended as a temporary solution which incurs an annual ongoing cost for the Health Board."
As recently as October 2019, James’ correspondence with Mark Polin, Chairman of BCUHB, said: "It's clear that, even with the Park and Ride service in action, parking availability is woeful and it's quite frankly embarrassing that this situation has dragged on for so long. It seems clear to me that the only solution is the construction of a multi-storey car park on site or adjacent."
At the time, BCUHB agreed they would be reviewing the availability of car parking.
James said: "I am very pleased that BCUHB appear to be progressing the development of a new mental health unit and multi-storey car park on the Glan Clwyd site. I will be supporting these proposals and would encourage anyone who uses the hospital to feed in their views.
"The footprint of the new development will itself take up existing car parking spaces and it is important that the multi-storey car park results in a significant net gain of spaces. I encourage the Health Board to be more ambitious still in the size of the multi-storey facility."
Public consultation commences on 24th August and runs until 20th September. During this time further information on the proposals is available to view online at the following webpage:
