Maternity ward closure extended over £20m repairs

A maternity unit that was meant to be closed for a 12-week refurbishment will now stay shut until early 2025.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board said this was due to urgent roof repairs to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.

The initial closure, that worried expectant parents in September, has now been extended after a critical incident was declared due to a rotten roof that will cost an estimated £20m to fix.

The health board said roof repairs would start in November with a return date to the maternity and neonatal sections "anticipated" to be in early 2025, but did not specify when this was.

"This is an urgent and fast-moving situation, and we do not have a confirmed date for return," the health board said in a statement.

"We commit to keeping you informed of dates and timescales as soon as they become available."

First-time expectant mother Georgia Louise Edwards, from Maesteg, Bridgend county, said in September she was left "terrified" by the previous £1m plan to shut services "for urgent and essential improvement works".

She said she found out about the closure on Facebook and hospital staff were unable to give her answers on the alternative plan in place.

The health board said it would be in touch with parents expecting a baby in December and January

"Your community midwife will be able to talk to you about your options and help you to choose a birthing location that suits you best," it added.