THERE was “good news” for Bronglais Hospital as a number of new staff were announced, including five consultant posts.

The Ceredigion locality meeting of Hywel Dda Community Health Council was pleased to hear of the new appointments at its last meeting.

Service delivery manager Lou Cullum told members that “in all my years at Bronglais” she thought it was the first time the hospital would have its full quota of junior doctors starting.

She was also delighted to update members on the five new consultants starting or due to start in the near future, including a medical admissions unit consultant, a third cardiologist, a respiratory consultant, diabetes consultant and a specialist in care of the elderly.

The Aberystwyth hospital, which has suffered staffing pressures, will also see three physician associates starting and 12 newly qualified nurses as well as four health care support workers taking up the chance to start further training.

Two advanced nurse practitioners are also starting soon and the medical grade doctors will increase from five to 11, with four currently going through the visa system.

The CHC were told that there had never been a third cardiologist at Bronglais and if the locum consultant chooses to leave there was the new doctor in place.

This would add to the “ability to build on services here” such as the provision of CT cardio which is now available.