Cross Hands Health and Wellbeing Centre

Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) is currently reviewing costs for the development of the Cross Hands Health and Wellbeing Centre, ahead of a submission of a Full Business Case (FBC) proposal to Welsh Government.

It is envisaged that the centre will provide a base for health and care services, accommodating community health services, GP practices, a library service, an early years centre, community police support officers and voluntary and third sector groups. The project seeks to offer a sustainable solution for the continued provision of primary care and community services, thereby positively impacting the health and wellbeing of present and future generations living in and around the Amman Gwendraeth area.

The health board is leading the project in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council and two local GP practices: Penygroes and Amman Tawe Partnership. Amman Tawe Partnership took over the General Medical Services (GMS) Contract on 1 April 2024.

The outline business case for the Cross Hands health and wellbeing centre was approved by Welsh Government in January 2023. Since the original outline business case submission, there has been an increase in the anticipated capital costs. The increased cost for this development is as a result of issues such as inflation, build costs, regulatory changes to building specifications as well as the provision of additional decarbonisation measures.

The general cost increases that have been seen to the Full Business Case are not unique to the Cross Hands Health and Wellbeing Centre scheme, this is an issue that is affecting numerous schemes in the healthcare sector in Wales at present.

In line with Welsh Government guidance, Hywel Dda University Health Board are undertaking a review of opportunities to further value engineer the scheme, whilst ensuring there is service sustainability in the locality. The health board will continue to engage with our communities regarding this development.