The Welsh Government has allocated up to £29.4m ($36.76m) in funding for a new orthopaedic hub at Llandudno Hospital, with the aim to reduce orthopaedic waiting times.

The hub will be operated by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and will focus on high-volume, low-complexity care, providing 1,900 planned procedures a year.

It is intended to benefit patients, staff and the North Wales community.

The facility aims to increase surgical activity and minimise the impact of unscheduled care on elective treatments, reducing the likelihood of surgery postponements.

The funding will be used to refurbish a vacant ward at Llandudno Hospital, where 19-bed spaces, two theatres and an eight-bed enhanced recovery/post-anaesthetic care unit will be added.

Construction is set to begin in February next year, with the hub expected to be fully operational by early 2025.

During the transition period, elective orthopaedic services will continue at Abergele Hospital.

Once operational, patients requiring short-stay orthopaedic procedures may have the option to undergo surgery at Llandudno while still being able to have the procedure done at their nearest general hospital.

Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan said: “This new orthopaedic hub will be of huge benefit to the people of North Wales and the health board.

“People with orthopaedic concerns often have the longest wait for treatment.

“This investment was made because clinicians had demonstrated their commitment to increasing productivity levels in orthopaedics in Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board.

“This progress needs to be maintained and a dedicated hub will help further reduce the time people need to wait for treatment and maintain the increase of the number of patients treated. 

“As well as improving patient outcomes, I hope it will help the health board to attract and retain staff and I look forward to the opening of this new facility.”