Wales' new health minister, Mabon ap Gwynfor, has declined to commit to building a new hospital in Cardiff, despite ongoing concerns about the state of the University Hospital of Wales (UHW). The hospital has been the subject of multiple reports highlighting structural and safety issues.
Political Pressure Mounts
During his first question session in the Senedd, parties from across the political spectrum pressed the minister on the future of the hospital. Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies asked if the minister would address the funding shortfall and begin construction on a new hospital. Reform UK's Gareth Thomas, who has used the hospital for 30 years, described it as a high-risk site and noted that other hospitals in Wales are also in poor condition.
Labour's Stance
Labour MS Huw Thomas, representing Caerdydd Penarth, acknowledged the dilapidated state of parts of the hospital and the multibillion-pound cost of replacing it. He expressed alarm at comments made by the minister before the election suggesting mothballing parts of the current site. Thomas reiterated his party's pledge to build a new hospital using UK Government funds and an innovative mix of capital and borrowing.
Minister's Response
Ap Gwynfor responded by sharing his personal experience visiting the Heath hospital for a loved one's operation, acknowledging the problems there and at other hospitals like Glangwili and Glan Clwyd. He attributed the issues to a £1.5bn backlog left by the previous Labour government, which in 2021 dismissed a £2bn business case for the hospital site. Instead, officials are focusing on areas of highest risk, with survey findings to inform health board plans for safe service delivery.
