Maesteg Community Hospital has been at the heart of our valley for over a century. It was built by the miners who gave what little they had every week to make sure families here would always have care close to home. It is not just a building. It is part of who we are and it is a lifeline for the people who live in the Llynfi Valley.
What's Happening?
There are plans from the Health Board to redevelop Maesteg Hospital through the Healthy Futures programme. The idea is to create a new Health and Wellbeing Centre which would bring together clinical and community services.
The problem is that the costs have shot up well beyond the original budget. Renovating the current hospital is now estimated to be far more expensive than what has been set aside. Because of this the Health Board is looking at alternative sites including one near Ewenny Road. These plans would provide some services in a modern setting but would not include in patient wards.
No final decision has been made and the Health Board has said that services will stay open until any replacement is ready. They have also said that the history and frontage of the hospital are being looked at as part of their plans.
Why should it matter to me?
This hospital was built by the miners of Maesteg. They gave up their own money and in many cases their health so that future generations would be looked after close to home.
For us it is not only about heritage. It is about making sure people can get the care they need without having to travel further afield. Taking away in patient services would mean longer journeys and more pressure on families at the time they need support most.
Decisions like this should not be made without the full involvement of our community. We are not bystanders. We are the people this hospital was built for and we should be heard.
What we need to see:
We need a plan that keeps as many services as possible here in Maesteg.
We need clear and honest communication about the options and the money involved.
We need to protect the history of our hospital so future generations know what it meant to this valley.
And we need cast iron assurance that no services will be lost until any new facility is fully ready.
Take action today:
Maesteg deserves better. Please add your name to the petition and help us send a clear message to the Senedd. Together we can protect the hospital our community built and secure its future for the next generation.