Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Maria Stevens who was being substituted by Councillor Peter Strong.

Councillor Penny Jones declared a non-prejudicial interest relating to her position as an independent member of ABUHB.

None present.

Hannah Evans (Executive Director of Strategy, Planning & Partnerships) delivered a presentation and answered the members’ questions with Dr Paul Mizen (Clinical Lead for Service Transformation).

Key Points from Hannah Evans' Presentation

• Context and Purpose: Hannah explained the focus on Nevill Hall Hospital due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which poses infrastructure risks and has made the site a priority for investment and redevelopment.
• Strategic Importance: Nevill Hall is positioned as a key site for both local and regional healthcare delivery, with recent investments such as a new radiotherapy unit and a regional cataract hub, serving not just Gwent but also neighbouring regions.
• Service Developments: There has been a 20% increase in day surgery at Nevill Hall, and the hospital is being developed as a surgical hub, with plans to expand day surgery, assessment facilities, and outpatient services.
• RAAC Challenge: The presence of RAAC affects significant parts of the estate, requiring mitigation measures like propping and scaffolding, but the long-term goal is to remove RAAC and use this as an opportunity to right-size and modernise the hospital.
• Business Case Process: The redevelopment is at the strategic outline case (SOC) stage, which involves early engagement, defining the case for change, and preparing for more detailed planning and consultation in later business case stages.
• Emerging Service Model: Plans include a day surgery centre of excellence, integrated front door/assessment facilities, maintaining the minor injuries unit, expanding cancer services (radiotherapy and chemotherapy), developing a women’s health hub, and improving diagnostics and therapy services.
• Engagement and Consultation: The team is actively engaging with staff, stakeholders, and the public through surveys, meetings, and direct outreach, seeking feedback on the case for change and emerging principles, with a commitment to ongoing involvement throughout the redevelopment process.

Key Questions from Members

Councillor Edwards

• Asked who instigated the Nevill Hall redevelopment – Health Board or Welsh Government, and why, seeking clarity on the process and investment case.

Hannah confirmed the Health Board initiated the process, with Welsh Government support, due to the urgency created by RAAC. Nevill Hall was always on the estate strategy, but RAAC made it a top priority.

• Expressed concern that the consultation might give the public unrealistic expectations, questioning what specialist inpatient services (e.g., respiratory, gastroenterology, cardiology, paediatrics) will realistically be available at Nevill Hall, given current service limitations.

Hannah clarified that acute specialties (e.g., cardiology, gastroenterology, paediatrics) will not return to Nevill Hall, as centralisation at the Grange was necessary for sustainability and quality. Outpatient and some day-case services will be provided at Nevill Hall, but not acute inpatient specialties.

• Queried the extent of cancer treatment at Nevill Hall, noting radiotherapy is available but chemotherapy and haematology are limited, and asked about reliance on community fundraising for these services.

Hannah and Paul explained that radiotherapy is now available at Nevill Hall, with plans to expand chemotherapy and other cancer services in partnership with Velindre.

• Sought advice on how to manage public expectations and ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.