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£31 million boost for neonatal and obstetric services in Wales

Two neonatal units in Wales are set to benefit from a combined investment of £31 million in neonatal and obstetric services.
University Hospital of Wales

Two neonatal units in Wales are set to benefit from a combined investment of £31 million in neonatal and obstetric services.


University Hospital of Wales neonatal services will expand Photo: Alamy

Some £25 million of government funding will go to redeveloping neonatal and obstetric services at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. This will pay for eight extra intensive care cots, along with facilities for patients and families, including a bereavement suite.

And £6 million will be invested to redevelop services at Prince Charles Hospital, Cwm Taf, including funding for nine extra cots.

In 2012, the National Assembly for Wales’ children and young people committee undertook a review of neonatal care in Wales. Members heard evidence of a shortage of nurses in neonatal units, along with a lack of doctors at all grades. The RCN submitted evidence that nurses were not being released by local health boards for education and training in neonatal care. 

Care closer to home

University Hospital of Wales clinical board director for children and women Jenny Thomas, said the money would mean the hospital would be able to care for more families closer to home.

Prince Charles Hospital expects to complete its expansion by December while the University Hospital of Wales improvements are expected to be ready in June 2018.


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