Temporary change at Bronglais Hospital children's ward

26 September 2024

Children requiring more than 24-hours of hospital-based care, will be transferred from Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, to Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, to ensure safe delivery of care, as a result of a temporary reduction in availability of children’s nurses.

The decision was made today (Thursday 26 September) at a meeting of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Angharad Ward, Bronglais’ children’s ward, will retain a 24-hour a day, seven day a week service for children and young people during this time. Assessment and treatment at the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit, where children can be assessed and treated, will continue, as well as surgical treatment and stabilisation.

Children and young people who are likely to need extended stays in hospital of more than 24-hours and not likely to be discharged within a few hours will receive this care in Glangwili Hospital, as already happens with more specialist and complex cases.

This is expected to affect fewer than four children or young people and their families per month.

People are asked to use health services for children as usual, including attending at Bronglais A&E when required, or attending at the PACU when advised by a GP, as transfers will only be made when necessary and these will be arranged by paediatric staff in liaison with families.

The Health Board approved this change for a period of up to six months, beginning on 1 November 2024. If a staffing solution is secured in the meantime, the situation will be reviewed as it is intended to return this care as soon as possible to Bronglais Hospital.

Dr Prem Kumar Pitchaikani Clinical Director, Women & Children's Directorate and Consultant Paediatrician at Hywel Dda said:

“As the paediatric service prepares for a difficult winter period, there are some specific and additional staffing pressures at the children’s ward in Bronglais Hospital this autumn.

“This is a short-term operational service change, to keep our children and young people receiving care, and our staff safe, whilst we explore options to resolve this issue.

“Our priority is to provide the best care possible for our young patients and their families and to maintain the vast majority of care and treatment that is offered on the ward, affecting as few families as is possible.

“We will be keeping in close contact with the families who may have to be transferred to Glangwili and will support them every step of the way.”

ENDS