Work on a new, dedicated children’s development centre in Swansea is due to start by late summer.
Through the scheme disabled youngsters and their families will have access to the care needed under one roof at the Singleton Hospital at Swansea. Currently youngsters have to journey across the city to see health workers across different sites.
The centre is set to be completed during Spring 2013.
University Health Board spokeswoman An Abertawe Bro Morgannwg said: “Disabled children and their parents or carers currently have to travel to up to seven different locations across Swansea to access a range of health professionals.
“However, we now have the opportunity to provide a dedicated children’s development centre at Singleton Hospital.
“Services including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and community paediatricians can all be based together.
“This will enable better integrated care for children with complex and long-term needs.
“Improved facilities will also increase opportunities for joint working with other agencies involved in the care of these children.”
She added that a project group consisting of clinicians, parents and carers and representatives from the voluntary sector, was created to help develop the new centre.
Plans that have been drawn up use the former Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) located at Singleton Hospital.
She said: “The new children’s development centre will have its own entrance and barrier-controlled car park, an outside play area and child-friendly facilities.
“It will include six consultation rooms, a toy library, sensory room, six therapy rooms and a range of other accommodation to provide the services now spread across seven sites.
“Work is expected to start in late summer 2012 and the centre should be completed in spring 2013.”