February 23, 2026 - 346 views
The long-awaited redevelopment of Rhyl’s historic Royal Alexandra Hospital has finally been given the green light, with a £33 million investment from the Welsh Government confirmed this week.
The new purpose-built facility will include a minor injuries unit capable of treating more than 20,000 people a year, easing pressure on the busy emergency department at nearby Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan.
A 14-bed “ready-to-go-home” reablement unit will also form part of the development, bringing NHS and social care teams together to support patients returning home after treatment.
Radiology services in Rhyl will be expanded, four new dental suites will improve access to NHS dentistry, and additional training opportunities for dental nurses will be created.
The £33m scheme represents the first phase of a wider £60m investment in the Royal Alexandra site. A second-phase business case — to refurbish and improve the existing hospital building — is expected to be submitted separately by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
While the announcement has been widely welcomed, it follows years of uncertainty, mounting local frustration and political wrangling over the future of healthcare provision in Rhyl.
The Royal Alexandra has seen services reduced over the past decade, with critics arguing the town lost out as more acute services were centralised at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Campaigners and opposition politicians have repeatedly raised concerns about long waiting times, ambulance handover delays and seasonal pressures linked to Rhyl’s status as a major seaside resort.
During previous Senedd debates, some North Wales politicians accused the Welsh Government of “dragging its feet” over capital investment in the area. Questions were also raised about the financial management and oversight of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which has previously been placed in special measures, contributing to delays in progressing major infrastructure schemes.
Local representatives have argued that Rhyl — which faces significant health inequalities compared to other parts of Wales — required urgent, visible investment rather than further consultation.
Ahead of a Cabinet meeting in Wrexham, First Minister Eluned Morgan confirmed funding for the new development.
She said: “This long-term investment in health services in Rhyl will cut the amount of time people wait in emergency department, increase the number of inpatients and result in people being able to return home faster after treatment in hospital.
“This investment is part of the Welsh Government’s action to transform healthcare in North Wales, modernising facilities and working smarter so people can be treated closer to home.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles added: “I’m really pleased to confirm this funding for the redevelopment of the Royal Alex. Rhyl is a popular holiday destination, which means NHS services work hard to meet the needs of local residents and visitors all year round.
“This funding will provide a fantastic new minor injuries and ailments unit and a new reablement unit, bringing health and social care together under one roof.”
In a joint statement, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Chair Dyfed Edwards and Chief Executive Carol Shillabeer said approval of the business case meant preparatory work and construction could now begin, with completion expected in 2027.
They said the development would benefit communities in Rhyl and surrounding areas while relieving pressure on Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, and acknowledged the support of Denbighshire County Council and third-sector partners.
Council leader Jason McLellan described the investment as “a major step forward for health and social care in Denbighshire”.
Despite the positive tone, some local campaigners say they will be watching closely to ensure the 2027 completion target is met, noting that previous timetables have slipped amid financial pressures and governance concerns within the health board.
For many in Rhyl, however, the funding announcement represents a turning point — a significant commitment to restoring local services at the historic Royal Alexandra and addressing long-standing concerns about access to urgent and community healthcare in North Wales.
