Board to consider adult mental health place of safety proposal
24 July 2026
Hywel Dda University Health Board will consider a proposal to begin public and staff engagement on the future location of its adult Section 136 Place of Safety service at its Board meeting on Thursday 30 July.
Section 136 of the Mental Health Act allows police officers to take a person experiencing a mental health crisis in a public place to a designated place of safety, where they can receive an assessment and appropriate support. The Health Board has a statutory responsibility to provide this service.
Board members will be asked to consider the outcome of a multi-agency options appraisal, which has identified a dedicated Section 136 suite at Cwm Seren at St David’s Park, Carmarthen, as the preferred option for future adult provision.
The proposal follows a review of existing facilities, which highlighted environmental and staffing challenges across a number of sites, and extensive work with partners including Dyfed-Powys Police, local authorities, West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH) and Llais.
If approved by the Board, an eight-week programme of engagement will take place from 2 September to 26 October 2026. The engagement will seek views from staff, service users, carers, partner organisations and local communities on the preferred option, its potential impacts and any measures that could help mitigate them.
The preferred option was identified following an assessment of five possible models. The appraisal concluded that a dedicated facility at Cwm Seren would provide the safest, most clinically effective and sustainable model of care, offering immediate access to specialist mental health support, improved management of acute risk, and better access to physical healthcare services when required.
Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “People who are detained under Section 136 are often experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and it is essential that we provide a safe, supportive environment where they can receive timely assessment.
“The work undertaken with our partners has carefully considered a range of options for the future provision of this service. The preferred option at Hafan Derwen has been identified because it offers the strongest benefits in terms of patient safety, clinical support and sustainability.
“No decisions have yet been made. Subject to Board approval, we will want to hear from staff, people with lived experience, carers, partner organisations and members of the public before any final decision is considered. Their feedback will be an important part of the process.”
The Board meeting will be held on Thursday 30 July 2026 and papers are available on the Hywel Dda University Health Board website here Board agenda and papers 30 July 2026 - Hywel Dda University Health Board (opens in a new window)
The Board meeting will be available to watch live from 9.30am on Thursday, 30 July 2026, at https://hduhb.nhs.wales/about-us/your-health-board/board-meetings-2026
ENDS