A RADICAL shake-up of health services in South West Wales is being drawn up as part of a £600million modernisation programme.

Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMUHB) are working alongside Swansea University on a scheme to revolutionise healthcare in the region.

The ARCH (A Regional Collaboration for Health) project – if given the go-ahead – would see the university become more involved in healthcare provision in the region.

The proposals would also see the construction of new facilities on land near the site of Morriston Hospital, with Singleton Hospital in Swansea housing new colleges of medicine and human and health science.

The purpose of the ARCH project would be to improve well-being among the population as well as the provision of healthcare services with a more “joined-up” approach to patient services, social care and advances in cutting-edge science.

ABMUHB director of strategy Sian Harrop-Griffiths said: “It breaks free from the outdated healthcare system designed more than 50 years ago and replaces it with an accessible one specifically planned for today’s needs in purpose-built or refurbished accommodation.

“It focuses on keeping people healthy, or better managing their needs when they are ill.”

The project also looks to support research, training and skills, which would in turn be beneficial to the region beyond healthcare.

“A healthy economy with fewer people disadvantaged or living in poverty in turn bolsters the wider health and well-being of the population,” she said.

“ARCH is more than abstract ideas; it represents a potentially huge regional investment.”

The ARCH plans include doubling the size of Morriston Hospital to create a regional hub for South West Wales, transforming Singleton Hospital into a centre of excellence.

The scheme would also see the creation of a Hywel Dda campus which would be made up of numerous primary and community care facilities throughout the region, such as GPs, dentists, etc,rather than at one unified site providing treatments and testing services previously found only in a hospital at more rural locations.