A new dedicated paediatric facility is being developed at Withybush Hospital to provide outpatient services for children, young people and their families.
The £750,000 project, funded through capital investment from Hywel Dda University Health Board, will see a new Puffin paediatric facility created within the hospital's main building.
The facility is expected to open in spring 2027, with detailed designs now complete.
Building work is due to begin following the appointment of a contractor through a formal tender process.
The new space will include six consultation rooms and dedicated outpatient facilities, as well as accommodation for a Rapid Access Clinic.
The clinic will allow children and young people to be seen by a paediatric clinician within 72 hours of referral from a GP or other healthcare professional. It will not provide emergency care.
The development will also include improved facilities for families, including a dedicated changing area with a hoist and changing bed, a waiting area with toys and activities, and a separate quieter space for children who require a calmer environment.
The Puffin identity currently used across the service will be retained, with artwork and decoration incorporated into the new facility.
The project follows a paediatric service model agreed by the Health Board after a public consultation in 2023 and subsequent Board decisions in 2024.
The space currently used by the hospital's Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service is being repurposed for the children's facility.
SDEC is relocating to refurbished accommodation within Withybush Hospital from 14 September.
The relocation will allow the former SDEC accommodation to be transformed into the dedicated paediatric facility.
"We know this is a development that many families, staff and members of the community have been keen to see progress following the public consultation,” said Nick Williams-Davies, General Manager, Children, Women and Family Health for Hywel Dda University Health Board.
We appreciate the patience shown while we have worked through the detailed planning, design and funding processes.
Willams-Davies said the larger facility and enhanced facilities would support the delivery of paediatric care at the hospital.
The new facility will provide outpatient paediatric services, while children aged over 12 months with minor injuries will continue to be treated at Withybush Hospital's nurse-led Minor Injury Unit.
Children requiring emergency paediatric care will continue to be treated at Glangwili Hospital.
The Health Board will now proceed with the formal procurement process to appoint a contractor, with construction expected to begin once the contract has been awarded.
