Singleton Hospital recently revealed a brand new look after a £13million facelift was completed, which included the installation of new cladding and windows.
While warmer wards and new fire-safe cladding were welcomed, people commenting on the news said they wanted money spent on more car parking at the popular city hospital and the reintroduction of a minor injuries unit, similar to that at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, to alleviate long wait times at nearby Morriston Hospital’s Accident and Emergency.
Commenting on the new look, Sue Lehane said: “Aesthetics are all very well but when another A&E in the area is desperately needed, more nursing staff and better pay for them is desperately needed, more doctors on each shift are needed, better disabled car parking on site is needed, a cafe that is open when patients have visitors and on weekends is needed, suddenly aesthetics seem to be the equivalent of a sticking plaster when surgery and stitches are needed.”
Ruben Harris said: “What singleton hospital needs more than a face lift is better parking facilities.”
Janette Harris added: “Doesn’t matter what it looks like, it’s what happens or doesn’t happen inside. Minor injuries unit springs to mind.”
A spokesperson for Swansea Bay University Health Board has confirmed that they are indeed planning on adding more car parking at Singleton Hospital for staff, patient and visitors at Singleton Hospital.
The spokesperson said: “Following the completion of the renovation works to the main block at Singleton, 22 blue badge parking spots are now available on the Crush Hall Roundabout.
“Two blue badge bays and 16 parking spots (patients and visitors) have been opened up near pharmacy, which is based in the centre of the hospital grounds. Thirteen patient and visitor bays have also reopened in two sites near the old SAU building and School of Medicine, which are around the corner from the main entrance.
“The health board will also update car parking lines in order to increase space in the main site for patient and visitors, along with the designated staff park across the road from the hospital.”
While it’s good news with regards to adding more parking, the health board have said there are no plans to reopen a minor injury unit at Singleton.
The health board spokesperson said: “Following the 2021 public engagement on the health board’s Changing for the Future strategic plans for NHS services in Swansea Bay, the former minor injury unit at Singleton Hospital was closed. It had not been operational for several years, due to ongoing staffing issues.
”Urgent and Emergency Care services in the Swansea Bay area are delivered from Morriston Hospital, which has an Emergency Department and other key services, and the Minor Injury Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, which can treat patients with less serious injuries.
“Key to the Changing for the Future programme is the development of centres of excellence at our three main hospitals. Singleton Hospital’s role now centres on delivering planned care (scheduled operations and treatments), cancer, maternity and diagnostics.”
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