Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) has confirmed that community beds will be relocated from Ysbyty George Thomas in Treorchy, Rhondda, to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend. The move will result in the closure of the Dinas and Fernhill wards by the end of the year, according to WalesOnline.
Background and temporary arrangement
The community beds, which serve patients who no longer need acute hospital treatment but are not yet ready to return home, were moved to Ysbyty George Thomas from the Princess of Wales Hospital after a critical incident was declared at the Bridgend site in October 2024 due to its rotting roof. The Dinas and Fernhill wards were set up by renovating disused wards at the Treorchy hospital.
The arrangement was intended to be temporary while essential works took place at the Princess of Wales Hospital, but it was extended. However, a recent review highlighted the importance of providing equitable access to community beds across all three localities.
Health board reassurances
CTMUHB has reassured the public that Ysbyty George Thomas will remain open and that care will not change for patients in Rhondda Cynon Taf, who will still have access to community beds at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon and Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda. The beds are returning to the Princess of Wales to allow for better access to community beds for patients in the Bridgend area.
Refurbishment is ongoing at the Princess of Wales Hospital, which the health board says has created an opportunity to increase community bed provision within the Bridgend area, allowing the beds to be moved away from Ysbyty George Thomas. CTMUHB said it is considering how the vacated wards can be used to support local healthcare needs, and discussions are ongoing. Further information will be shared once plans have been developed and agreed. The health board also said no jobs will be lost as a result of the change.
