“I DO not think people know what it is”, that's the damning assessment of one councillor as another engagement session was held over the Vale’s future healthcare plans and the proposed "Wellbeing Hub".

Cardiff and Vale Health Board hosted their latest engagement session in the Murch Community Centre, Dinas Powys on December 11 and it was here that Cllr Chris Franks, who represents the town, made the omission.

Mr Franks, of Plaid Cymru, also lamented the time it's taking for decisions on the Wellbeing Hub to be made.

Penarth Times: The latest engagement session was held on the proposed 'Wellbeing Hub'The latest engagement session was held on the proposed 'Wellbeing Hub' (Image: Newsquest)

For years now the health board have been looking to build a new community clinic, or “super GP surgery” in the Vale that would house a variety of healthcare services under one roof.

However, if Mr Franks wants proceedings to speed up over whether the Wellbeing Hub will happen or not, he may have to wait a bit longer...

The consultation runs for at least another year, with the next engagement session set for Sully in the new year.

Then, further down the line, the health board will submit a “full business case” to Welsh Government showing why a Wellbeing Hub is needed and the Labour administration can begin releasing funds (estimated to be in the region of £20m) for the diggers to start up their engines and move in.

Where will they move to? That is still being debated, however the health board are looking particularly at two options – Penarth Leisure Centre in Cogan adjoining the Wellbeing Hub to that, or the old police station in Penarth on Windsor Road.

However, Mr Franks’ rather sombre verdict on how Wellbeing Hub engagement sessions are going could be a wake-up call for the health board.

Penarth Times: The session was held at the community centre in DinasThe session was held at the community centre in Dinas (Image: Newsquest)

Penarth Times: Cllr Franks, of Plaid, says his constituents struggle to understand what a 'Wellbeing Hub' isCllr Franks, of Plaid, says his constituents struggle to understand what a 'Wellbeing Hub' is (Image: Vale Council)

Read more:

Mr Franks says it's frustrating at the lack of clarity at the moment, with no plans able to be set.

“What we want to know is fundamental information,” said Mr Franks. “What is the location of the hub? What is the size of the budget? The timetable?”

Mr Franks is also a trustee of Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern, which runs a minibus that helps take vulnerable residents to appointments and even out to get groceries.

He says it's frustrating they don’t even know transport provision yet and how Voluntary Concern can be incorporated in future plans.

“Can they even plan for this yet?” said Mr Franks. “If we (DP Voluntary Concern) are expected to do something, we need lead time.

“We are anxious for information.”

A spokesperson said Cardiff and Vale University Health Board was pleased with the session.

“We were very pleased to run our second drop-in session for the Wellbeing Hub for Eastern Vale.

"We are glad to learn more of the support residents have for Wellbeing Hubs and look forward to developing our plans to promote wellbeing and bring services closer to home for the communities of Eastern Vale."

What do you know of the Wellbeing Hub? Is it the right way forward for health provision in the Vale? Let us know in comments, on Facebook, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.