Glan Clwyd Hospital's £77m facelift gets funds approval

The first phase of work includes safe removal of asbestos found in some operating theatres

Funding for a £77m redevelopment of Glan Clwyd hospital has been confirmed by the Welsh Government.

The 1970s building in Bodelwyddan is already experiencing a £7m overhaul as part of work to remove asbestos.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said the latest plans, first unveiled in February, show continued investment in the NHS at a time of growing pressure on public finances.

Health officials call it a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

The Denbighshire general hospital has already been awarded £7m for the asbestos removal along with fire safety measures, with another £5m spent on new operating theatres and an urology day care unit.

When the hospital was built in the late 1970s asbestos was commonly used as a fire retardant coasting on structural steelwork.

The new plans by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board - which runs Ysbyty Glan Clwyd - will provide opportunities to remodel the hospital to bring together services which are currently spread over the site.

Ms Griffiths said the hospital had a key role in delivering health services in north Wales

"Once completed, this investment will significantly improve the care for patients and the working environment for staff," she added.

Prof Merfyn Jones, chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said the board was "delighted" that the minister has given her approval for the developments.

"This is an exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to make great improvements to patient care at Glan Clwyd hospital," he said.

"This project will allow us to redevelop and improve the hospital so that our staff can continue to deliver high standards in modern health care facilities," he added.