BRONGLAIS Hospital’s Y Banwy step-down unit has been officially opened by Welsh Cabinet secretary for health Vaughan Gething.

The unit, which started caring for patients in February last year, is a dedicated ward available to provide beds for patients who do not need to be in hospital, but are waiting for care packages to be able to return home.

Mr Gething officially opened the 12-bed Y Banwy unit last Thursday and praised hospital chiefs for introducing the unit which he said would help cut waiting times in A&E and reduce the number of cancelled operations.

He said: “Y Banwy is an example of giving patients the support they need, as close to home as possible. It will improve the flow of patients through the hospital, at the same time as helping people to regain their independence.”

Bernardine Rees, the health board chair, said the unit, which is based in the old Afallon mental health inpatient ward, was staffed by a multi-disciplinary team to concentrate on ensuring patients are suitable to be discharged.

She said: “On behalf of the health board, I am delighted to welcome the minister to Bronglais Hospital to show the fantastic work being undertaken on Y Banwy."

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