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Stroke services consultation reaches half-way mark – have your say today

Illustration of man holding a symbol of a brain

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s second phase of consultation on the future of stroke services has reached the halfway point of its eight-week engagement period. The Health Board thanks everyone who has already taken part and is encouraging people who have not yet responded to share their views by attending an event or completing the questionnaire.

The consultation seeks views from patients, carers, staff, local communities and stakeholders on a preferred option for the future of stroke services across Hywel Dda. The preferred option was developed from feedback gathered during the first phase of consultation in 2025 as part of the Clinical Services Plan.

Currently, stroke services are provided across all four main hospitals in Hywel Dda – Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip, and Withybush. However, services do not consistently meet national clinical standards and there is no specialist stroke cover available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The preferred option that the Health Board is seeking views on includes:

  • A 24-hour acute stroke and rehabilitation unit at Glangwili Hospital
  • A stroke rehabilitation unit at Bronglais Hospital
  • Treat and transfer services at Bronglais, Prince Philip and Withybush hospitals

Mark Henwood, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Executive Medical Director, explains: “We know how important stroke services are to members of our communities and to our staff.

“Providing timely, high-quality specialist care for people who experience a stroke is critical. Stroke care has advanced significantly, and evidence shows that patients have better outcomes in specialist units with access to expert teams and equipment around the clock.

“We are listening carefully to what people are telling us, and this feedback is important in helping us understand what matters most to our communities. Thank you to everyone who has already attended our engagement events – both in person and online. We look forward to speaking to more people before the consultation ends on 26 July 2026.”

Since the launch of the second phase of consultation on 28 May 2026, more than 1700 people have engaged through conversations at events and by completing the questionnaire.

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, said: “We’ve been meeting with staff and communities across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and representatives from our neighbouring health board areas, as well as in online sessions.

“People have asked where they would go for diagnosis and treatment, how transfers between hospitals would work, and why stroke services can’t continue as they are across all four hospital sites.

“It’s important to reassure people that, now and in the future, if you think someone is having a stroke, you should seek immediate help by calling 999. As happens today, and with any future option, they will be taken to the nearest appropriate hospital for assessment and initial treatment. If specialist treatment such as a thrombectomy is needed, patients would continue to be transferred to specialist centres in Bristol or Cardiff.

“Throughout this process we are working with the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust, and other providers such as Adult Critical Care Transfer Service and national commissioners. Once an option for the future of stroke services is chosen, detailed modelling will take place to understand what dedicated transport arrangements will be needed, so this would not impact on emergency ambulance availability.

“We need to make changes to ensure we meet national standards and can provide safe, sustainable, accessible and kind services. We need to give people the best possible chance of recovery after the devastating effects of a stroke.”

With the consultation open until 26 July, the Health Board is encouraging people to get involved and help shape future stroke services.

Upcoming opportunities to take part include:

Drop-in events:

  • Tuesday, 30 June 2026, 2.00pm - 7.00pm, Y Plas, Machynlleth, SY20 8ER
  • Monday, 6 July 2026, 2.00pm - 7.00pm, Canolfan Creuddyn, Lampeter, SA48 7BN
  • Wednesday, 8 July 2026, 2.00pm - 7.00pm, Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6DD
  • Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 2.00pm - 7.00pm, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen, SA31 1LG

Online session: Tuesday, 7 July at 6:30pm

Everyone is welcome to attend to find out more, ask questions, and share their views.

All feedback received from this phase of the consultation, alongside views gathered in 2025 and the latest evidence, will be considered before a final decision is made later this year.

Further information, including the questionnaire, is available on the consultation website: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/stroke-consultation (opens in new tab)

Alternatively, people can contact the team by email at hyweldda.engagement@wales.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 303 8322 (option 5, local call rates).