April 02, 2026 - 191 views
A major new surgical centre aimed at cutting waiting times across North Wales is set to open next month, with the First Minister given an early look inside the facility.
Eluned Morgan visited the new North Wales Surgical Centre at Llandudno Hospital today ahead of its official opening in May.
The purpose-built facility will focus on orthopaedic procedures such as hip and knee operations, helping to treat more patients and reduce long waiting lists across the region. Funded by the Welsh Government at a cost of £29 million, the centre is expected to carry out around 1,900 operations a year—treating an additional 730 patients annually.
For people across North Wales, the centre is designed to make a real difference by speeding up access to planned surgery. One of its key features is the separation of routine operations from emergency care, which often leads to delays and last-minute cancellations in busy hospitals.
The new unit includes two operating theatres, 19 extra beds and an eight-bed recovery area, all aimed at improving efficiency and patient care. By focusing on high-volume, lower-complexity procedures, the centre will help ensure more patients receive treatment on time and with fewer disruptions.
During her visit, the First Minister said the development is a significant step forward for healthcare in North Wales, helping to protect planned surgeries from the pressures of emergency demand. She added that reducing waiting times remains a priority, with recent figures showing NHS waiting lists falling to their lowest level in nearly six years.
Health leaders in the region say the centre will have a direct impact on patients who have been waiting for procedures, many of whom are dealing with pain or limited mobility. By increasing capacity and improving how services are organised, the aim is to help people get back to normal life more quickly.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which will run the centre, said it represents a major boost for planned care services. Chair Dyfed Edwards said the facility will help protect routine operations and improve outcomes for patients across the region.
The first patients are expected to be treated in May, marking what officials describe as a key milestone in improving access to surgery for communities across North Wales.
