**Major Improvements to Maternity and Neonatal Services at Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend**
The Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend is set to reopen its maternity and neonatal services following a major update. The units providing these critical services have been closed since September 2024 for maintenance work. This closure was later extended due to severe leaks in the hospital’s roof in December of the same year, causing further delays in reopening the units. The hospital has since completed all necessary improvement work, including roof repairs, paving the way for the units to be operational again.
Additionally, the hospital is undertaking a large-scale roof replacement project as part of ongoing improvements to its infrastructure. The project aims to address issues that compromised around 10,000 square metres of roofing due to leaks and other factors. The focus of the repair work was on the area above the maternity and neonatal units to ensure their reopening first. The entire roof replacement project is expected to be finalised by the summer of this year.
The gradual return of essential services is being implemented to ensure the safety of all patients. Neonatal services at Princess of Wales Hospital will resume on February 10, followed by a phased reintroduction of maternity services starting on February 17. The reopening schedule for the maternity services includes specific timings for spontaneous labours, planned inductions of labour, and elective caesarean sections. This phased approach aims to manage the influx of patients as services resume.
The temporary closure of the maternity and neonatal units has had a significant impact on pregnant individuals in the area. Many have faced challenges such as having to travel for appointments and overcrowding at alternative hospitals. Some patients shared their experiences of delays in receiving necessary medical interventions and the financial burden of staying close to their babies receiving care in the neonatal unit.
The WalesOnline community has launched a new WhatsApp group to provide breaking news and essential updates to its subscribers. The group offers a convenient way to stay informed about the latest developments, including health news and other important stories. Joining the community allows members to receive daily updates and exclusive offers while maintaining their privacy with the option to exit the group at any time.
The hospital’s efforts to reopen its maternity and neonatal services mark a significant milestone in improving healthcare accessibility for the Bridgend community. The completion of the roof replacement project and maintenance work reflects a commitment to providing quality care for women, birthing people, and infants in the region. The reintegration of these vital services is a positive step towards normalising operations and meeting the healthcare needs of the local population.