Health Improvement and Well-being Centre in Llanelli

The development of a Health Improvement and Well-being Plan by Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) sets out how local health services will work with partners, communities, patients and public to improve wellbeing, enjoy a healthy lifestyle and tackle the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death.

As part of this, the health board submitted a planning application in December 2022 for the delivery of a Health Improvement and Well-being Centre in Llanelli, which will increase the range and accessibility of essential services for the local population.

The facility is intended to improve the health and well-being of the community and future generations by providing discrete and confidential services to the local community for children, young people and adults who wish to seek support with lifestyle behaviour change.

The planning application included space for the health board’s Health Improvement and Well-being public health team, the smoking cessation service, the children and young people’s early intervention and prevention service delivered by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service, psychology services for both adults and children and the health board Community Drug and Alcohol Team.

Joanna Dainton, Head of Health Improvement & Well-being – Public Health, said: “The securing of this property would enable the provision of enhanced and innovative treatment and prevention interventions, reduce death, improve health and well-being, reduce crime and improve community safety.

“The health board and partners have explored other potential locations but has established Anchor Point as the most suitable property for development.

“A new health improvement and well-being centre in Llanelli is essential to the health board’s strategy from shifting services from treating illness, to promoting and supporting wellness, working with partners, communities, patients and public to enable our community to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and tackle the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death.

“Smoking, alcohol and drug misuse are amongst the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death and tackling these issues are strategic priorities for the health board and members of the Area Planning Board.

“Similarly, improving the resilience of children and young people who have had adverse experiences will ensure improved health and well-being outcomes for future generations.”

The health board is committed to engaging with the local community regarding this proposed development and a public drop-in session has been arranged for Tuesday 21 February 2023 from 2pm – 7pm in the Postgraduate Centre in Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. Members of the public can come along and discuss plans with the staff and managers from the intended service provision – this will include Dyfed Powys Police, health board staff and third sector service providers.

Further information with an opportunity for people to share their views will also soon be available via the Health Board’s “Have your say” website www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk

Joanna, added, “We understand the local community to Anchor Point may wish to learn more about our proposal and the services it will deliver.

“We look forward to discussing our plans with the community at the drop-in session in February and we encourage everyone who may be interested in understanding more to attend.”

The health board’s Strategic Development and Operational Delivery Committee (16 December 2022) has considered the proposal and agreed for it to go to formal Board for approval in 2023.