Skip to main content

Views sought on upcoming changes for Hywel Dda residents who choose to give birth at Singleton Hospital

17 August 2026

Hywel Dda University Health Board is inviting feedback to understand the potential impact, and any support women and families may need when a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Swansea Bay University Health Board ends in December 2026.

The agreement between the health boards has enabled women living in the Hywel Dda area who choose to give birth at Singleton Hospital to attend antenatal clinics and scan appointments at Prince Philip Hospital.

From December, if you live within Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire and choose to give birth at Singleton Hospital:

  • your antenatal appointments - if you are receiving obstetric-led (doctor) care - will take place at Singleton Hospital.
  • your ultrasound scans – if you are receiving obstetric-led or midwifery-led care - will take place at Singleton Hospital.

There will be no change for those who choose to give birth within Hywel Dda. For these women, antenatal clinics for those receiving obstetric-led care will continue at Prince Philip Hospital, as will ultrasound scans for all.

Community midwifery care remains the same for all and will continue to be provided locally by Hywel Dda midwives.

Discussions between the two health boards have concluded that the current arrangement presents some challenges because of differences in clinical guidelines, policies and governance arrangements. Reviews have identified that these differences can lead to inconsistencies in care and clinical oversight.

As a result, both organisations have agreed that ending the agreement will support a safer, more coherent and sustainable pathway for women and babies, while strengthening clinical governance, continuity of care and accountability.

From 17 August 2026 to 28 September 2026, people will be able to feedback their views on how the ending of the agreement between the two health boards might impact them.

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said: "This engagement period is an opportunity for people to share their views and help us understand how the proposed change may affect them, and what support or practical issues we need to consider.

“The aim of the change is to ensure women receive safe and consistent care from their chosen health board, while reducing the risks and inconsistencies associated with the current hybrid model.”

Cerian Llewellyn, Head of Maternity at Hywel Dda UHB, said: "Women living in Hywel Dda will continue to be supported in their choice of where they want to give birth.

“At the start of pregnancy, all women have a risk assessment and are continually assessed throughout their pregnancy to identify whether they need care led by an obstetrician or midwife.

“Community midwifery care will remain the same for all and will continue to be provided locally by Hywel Dda midwives. This proposed change will affect only the location of scanning appointments for women and antenatal appointments for those who require obstetric-led care and who choose to give birth at Singleton Hospital."

Sharon Daniel, added: "This proposed change is the result of maternity teams across both health boards working together to ensure risks in the care they provide are minimised.

"We believe this change will ensure consistent care pathways for those who choose to have their baby/babies at Singleton Hospital.

"The aim is to provide a safer, more sustainable model of care while continuing to offer choice and continuity for women and their babies."

Feedback on this proposed change can be submitted to Hywel Dda University Health Board by using one of the following methods:

  • By completing an online survey at www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk (opens in new tab)
  • By requesting a paper version of the survey and returning the completed form by post to FREEPOST HYWEL DDA HEALTH BOARD. To request a paper version, please email Hyweldda.Engagement@wales.nhs.uk
  • By telephoning Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Communication Hub on 0300 303 8322 (option 5)
  • Attend an online session on Monday 7 September 2026, 6pm – 7pm. This session will provide information about the upcoming changes, collect your views and hear any suggestions you may have that have not already been considered. Click here to sign up (opens in new tab).