PLANS for a “Wellbeing Hub” are back in the spotlight as Cardiff and Vale Health Board is set to hold an engagement session in Penarth.

The health board is looking at how to improve healthcare services in the Vale, with one of the plans on the table being to build a new Wellbeing Hub for the county.

Wellbeing Hubs are integrated, community-focused health and wellbeing facilities.

They provide people with access to primary care (for example, doctors, physiotherapists and optometrists) and a wider range of healthcare.

Plans were put forward in a tense public meeting in June, where one of the ideas was for the hub to be built at Penarth Leisure Centre.

Penarth Times: What a Wellbeing Hub could look likeWhat a Wellbeing Hub could look like (Image: CVUHB)

However, many residents were concerned with transport links to the centre and the often notorious traffic bottleneck at marina roundabout and Courts traffic lights.

One of the most vocal critics of the plans was Mr John Davies, chairman of Penarth Business Group, who urged the health board to include the centre of Penarth in any plans for future medical services in the area.

“The whole thing will sit a lot better rather than out on a limb in Cogan,” said Mr Davies.

“This is part of the jigsaw of creating a town centre that people want to visit.

“There is something we can do here to make town centres more sustainable.”

Penarth Times: Plans to build the Wellbeing Hub at the leisure centre have been criticisedPlans to build the Wellbeing Hub at the leisure centre have been criticised (Image: Google Maps)

Penarth Times: Business Chairman John Davies wants healthcare provision to be built in the centre of PenarthBusiness Chairman John Davies wants healthcare provision to be built in the centre of Penarth (Image: Supplied)

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A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale Health Board previously said no final decision about the location of the hub has been made.

Wellbeing Hubs, such as the one at Maelfa, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, which opened in February, are part of Welsh Government’s plans to upgrade healthcare in Wales.

CVUHB is in line to receive a £20million cheque to build the hub in the Vale, if they can prove it’s worthwhile.

The latest drop-in session will be held at the new Belle View Pavilion, Albert Road, Penarth, CF64 1DB, between 3pm and 7pm on Monday, October 23.

Information below supplied by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board's 'Shaping Our Future Wellbeing Plan' which can be accessed, here.

What is a Wellbeing Hub?

A wellbeing hub is an integrated, community-focused health and wellbeing facility. They provide people with access to primary care (for example, doctors, physiotherapists and optometrists) and a wider range of health, care, and wellbeing services in the community.

It does not replace GP services, but extends services away from hospitals and into communities. These services might include maternity services, diagnostics, physiotherapy and other outpatient services. They allow us to provide a greater range of services closer to home.

Wellbeing Hubs are part of our proposal to improve infrastructure to provide wider opportunities and expand offerings.

What services are in a Wellbeing Hub?

Wellbeing Hubs may provide the following:

  • GP services;
  • Health and wellbeing information, advice and education;
  • Community health clinics e.g. district nursing, child health, sexual health, podiatry, dietetics etc;
  • Community midwifery services;
  • Primary Mental Health Services;
  • Specific outpatient services to meet health priorities;
  • Social care and third sector/community group provision;
  • Other services tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community.

Who can use a Wellbeing Hub?

Wellbeing Hubs can be used by anyone in the area, no matter their GP surgery.

Got a story in Penarth? Got any thoughts on the stories we cover? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.