Welsh Minister for Health & Social Services Edwina Hart has said a large North Wales district acute hospital that does not meet current fire safety standards can continue being used, subject to interim measures, but hospital bosses say much of a central 1970s-built ward block needs rebuilding at an estimated £270 million cost.
However, an assessment suggested undertaking such work would cost around £240 million, due partly to there being sizeable areas of asbestos in situ.
Dawn Davies, communications manager, Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust, said: “The Welsh Office is happy for us to continue operating, provided that additional interim fire safety measures, such as additional fire curtains and fire doors, are implemented. Our latest estimate suggests that erecting new wards, and replacement buildings for the other facilities currently housed in the block (which include a urology day unit, cancer treatment centre, pathology department and operating theatres), will cost only about £30 million more than renovating the central buildings.
“The Minister has consequently asked us to draw up a full business case for a rebuild, and we hope to start building in two years’ time.” The new facilities will include a multi-storey car park, since much of the redevelopment will take place on existing car parks.
