Milestone for the Children’s Hospital for Wales passed

01/07/2010

The First Minister, Carwyn Jones will, today visit the development of the second phase of the Children's Hospital for Wales, which has moved a step closer following approval of the latest set of plans.

Phase one of the hospital was completed in 2005 and has three dedicated wards for children and young people, including specialised cancer and medical services.

Work on phase two has already begun to demolish buildings and relocate services based on the site of the proposed development at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

In approving these latest plans, the Assembly Government is providing £6.7million for this ongoing work, saving significant time once final approval is achieved.

The health board will now produce final, detailed plans for the Health Minister's approval, which are expected for consideration by March 2011 and will enable the main construction stage to begin next summer.

This second phase of the hospital will provide:

·          Five dedicated paediatric operating theatres – and provision to create another if required in the future

·          A radiology department for ultrasound, MRI and fluoroscopy

·          Dedicated academic and teaching facilities for child health services

·          Accommodation and facilities for parents including counselling and multi-faith facilities

It is expected that the second phase of the Children's Hospital will start taking patients in 2014.

Based on current estimates, the Assembly Government will provide more than £50million for the second phase. £8million of this will come from the Strategic Capital Investment Fund which provides money for projects to improve services or boost the economy.

Mr Jones said: 

"Today is the third anniversary of One Wales agreement which sets out our aims to improve the quality of life of people in all of Wales's communities.

"We aspire to a world-class health service that is available to everyone, irrespective of whom they are or where they live in Wales, and at the time when they need it.

"This second phase of the Children's Hospital will help take us there and will significantly enhance services for children and young people in Wales."

Health Minister, Edwina Hart, added:

"My approval of the latest plans shows my commitment to the development of the Children's Hospital. I look forward to receiving final plans for the development in March next year, and to seeing the hospital open in 2014."

Cardiff and Vale UHB Chief Executive, Jan Williams, said she was delighted that the Assembly Government had given the go-ahead to the phase two development:

"We are absolutely committed to delivering healthcare of the highest quality and the children of Wales can now look forward to receiving that care in a superb facility which has been designed with the needs of them, and their families, in mind."

Lyn Jones, Chairman of the Noah's Ark Appeal added:

"Phase one of the Children's Hospital for Wales has made a tremendous difference to the young patients who need specialist treatment. It is a world class facility of which the people of Wales can feel proud.

"The Noah's Ark Appeal has continued to give significant support to the Children's Hospital for Wales, the children's wards and the teenage cancer unit and our work continues as we will raise a further £7 million to fund vital projects in phase two such as an open MRI scanner and the equipment for a brand new critical care unit to treat children in need of high dependency and intensive care."