PLANS for a £33 million redevelopment of a hospital site in north Wales have been unveiled by the Welsh Government, with ministers claiming the project will improve patient care and reduce pressure on regional emergency services.
First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health and Social Care Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Miles visited the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Rhyl on Monday (Feb 23) to announce the scheme, which will include a new minor injuries unit, additional beds, expanded diagnostics and new dental facilities.
The purpose-built development is expected to treat more than 20,000 patients each year and is intended to ease demand on the emergency department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan.
The first phase of the project includes a 14-bed reablement unit designed to support patients who are medically fit for discharge but still require short-term care before returning home. NHS and social care teams will work together on the site to help improve patient flow through the hospital system.
Radiology services will also be enhanced, and four new dental suites will be created to improve access to NHS dentistry while providing additional training opportunities for dental staff. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Miles said the investment would benefit both Rhyl residents and the wider north Wales region, arguing the new facilities would help reduce hospital bed pressures elsewhere.
He said the project reflected changes in how healthcare is delivered, adding that the aim was to create services suitable for the future rather than replicate outdated models of care.
Political reaction to the announcement was mixed.
Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson Mabon ap Gwynfor MS welcomed the investment but said people in north Wales had waited too long for progress, arguing that health services in the region had deteriorated while decisions were delayed. He also criticised the condition of the NHS estate across Wales, pointing to a significant maintenance backlog and ongoing concerns about Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
Meanwhile, Welsh Conservative councillor Brian Jones described the plans as a reduced version of proposals previously promised more than a decade ago. He claimed the development would not address current pressures on emergency departments and accused the Welsh Government of making the announcement ahead of the Senedd elections for political reasons.
Despite the criticism, ministers maintain the redevelopment represents an important step toward improving healthcare capacity in north Wales and supporting hospitals facing increasing demand.
Additional reporting by Richard Evans, Local Democracy Reporter
