Four land appraisal groups provided output reports about the five that were shortlisted l to help the Health Board make its decision about potential sites in its meeting on 04 August 2022. The groups were:
Technical – including members of our local population from across our geography, stakeholders and partners, and staff. This group considered technical aspects of the five potential sites, as well as feedback from public engagement. Four of the five potential sites scored very similarly in this appraisal, with only one of the sites near St Clears scoring significantly lower than the others did.
Clinical – two clinical appraisals took place to assess the service sustainability of siting the new hospital in the different locations of the zone (i.e further west, central, or further east). The obstetrics, neonatal services and paediatrics expert group found that sites further east presented the least clinical risk to services. Attendees of the workshop were of the opinion that a site further east outside the zone would be preferable. The expert group for stroke services reported that any area of the zone would be suitable due to the focus on pathways and how patients are treated beyond their initial admission. It did however state that, regarding access for workforce reasons, the sites central or east would be more preferable.
Workforce Appraisal – this group provided a focus on the accessibility impact for the Health Board’s workforce. The group considered travel time analysis, potential staffing impact, and potential staffing risk. The group noted that there would be impact on those who traditionally are able to work locally to their homes and those who reasonably expect to travel linked to their professions. Different strategies to reduce this impact will be adopted as work progresses. The group found it inconclusive to say if a site further east would have a greater impact to securing a sustainable workforce overall, including for recruitment.
Financial/Economic Appraisal – this group focused on appraising the process and outcomes that may be required for capital funding and next steps in land acquisition. It found as a percentage of the overall estimated costs of the development, there was little to distinguish between different sites.