Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Lindsay Whittle says he hopes an expert group looking at the development of 10 surgical hubs across Wales will look to recommend one is established at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr (YYF) Hospital.
The Blaenau Gwent, Caerffili, Rhymni MS said that the Ystrad Mynach hospital – which opened to patients in 2011 – has many advantages that would make it an ideal location for one of the new hubs, in his view.
Putting the case for YYF, Lindsay Whittle said: “The hospital would not need any capital building spending, saving resources, and has two operating theatres that could be brought into use for elective surgery.
“It is also a modern hospital and as far as I’m concerned it has been underused in terms of services provided - since it was opened. YYF is also in an excellent location in the heart of the valleys.
“People I speak to are excited by Plaid Cymru’s pledge to establish up to 10 surgical hubs. They are waiting too long for treatment, often in pain and want their NHS to be betters.
“Voters told me in the run-up to the Senedd election that the need for faster treatment and shorter waiting lists was among the key reasons why they were supporting Plaid Cymru.”
The expert, clinically-led group is aiming to produce a delivery plan for up to 10 elective care hubs across Wales by the end of 2026. The hubs will boost surgical and diagnostic capacity easing emergency pressures hospitals face. “This is a positive way of tackling the waiting list backlogs inherited from Labour,” added Lindsay Whittle.