The University Hospital Llandough is hoping to increase the range of non-complex surgery for residents of the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff.

They have asked for feedback and engagement from the general public and councils about the proposal.

Below is the statement they have issued to local residents:

''We would like to hear your views on a proposal to increase the range of non-complex surgery for residents of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan that is provided at University Hospital Llandough (UHL).

''Routine surgical services are already well developed at UHL and we would like to build on that with an initial focus on moving some day case and short stay Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery from UHW to UHL.

''Emergency pressures on the University Hospital of Wales site (UHW) in Cardiff often lead to short notice cancellations of planned surgery.

''We believe that providing more of this type of surgery at UHL will lead to a much better patient experience with reduced on-the-day cancellations and shorter waiting times, as we will be able to organise services more efficiently.

''Please read the Engagement Document and tell us what you think.''

The engagement document states that, due to the ''pressures in the [Heath] hospital, the care provided for patients needing day case surgery is not optimal.''

The report then summarises the potential benefits of the shift:

• Reduction of on-the-day and short notice cancellation for patients. Currently around 25% of all ENT day cases have to be cancelled due to emergencies at UHW.
• Shorter waiting times - Reducing from the current average of just under 36 weeks.

•Patients will be able to go home earlier due to increased efficiency in theatre timings.

It does also consider the potential issues with the proposal:

• Potentially disadvantage for patients who live closer to current sit for these services as the size of population attending Llandough hospital from further afield would increase significantly.

• Transportation is flagged as a concern. The report details the car park and Park and Ride scheme which can get patients to the hospital.

At the Penarth Town Council meeting, yesterday evening, the thoughts of councillors were noted.

The general mood was positive.

Cllr. Liz Fahy said, ''In principal this move can only be of great benefit.''

Cllr. Birch also approved of the changes. She said, ''I welcome things moving to Llandough, it is like going to the moon when you have to attend UHW.''

Cllr. Gray then cast his doubt on the matter. He confirmed that ''it would be great to have services in Penarth'' but that he did fear Llandough becoming ''the Goliath of local hospitals.''

He raised concerns of a general merger and the effect on other local hospitals. He said: ''we shouldn't shut down wards in Barry to move to Llandough''.

This references the announced closure of the Sam Davies ward in Barry hospital which has caused significant concerns.

Cllr. Wilson recognised the potential issues especially with local transport. He said, ''we need better transport to the site, especially in the evening. The park and ride system is a temporary solution.''

However, he also reiterated that ''I would welcome local services.''

The engagement document can be found by clicking the red button below.

Responses to the questions contained in the Engagement Document can be returned via the following options:

• [email protected]

• By post: Mike Bond – Director of Operations, Surgery Clinical Board, Lakeside, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW

• By hand to a member of staff in the Surgery service

• You can also contact the local Community Health Council (CHC) for more information: [email protected]

The closing date for responses is 20 September 2019.

The Cardiff and Vale University health board would be grateful for your help with sharing information about the engagement.