Latest position statement – slight amend to the November statement:
In recent months we have undertaken a comprehensive first phase of engagement with local communities to seek their views on the future use of Penley Hospital, following the decision to temporarily close its inpatient beds in December 2024, due to concerns around the sustainability of the care model and ongoing staffing challenges.
As well as undertaking a detailed analysis of their feedback, which is summarised here, we have also held two facilitated sessions with identified representatives from key stakeholder groups to develop and assess potential future service models against a series of agreed criteria to determine their viability and sustainability.
This has led to the development of a medium list of four scenarios, which are summarised below, and you can find more detail on here: Penley Medium List of Scenarios
1. Develop an integrated Health and Wellbeing Hub/Health Care centre
2. Open a rehabilitation/step down facility with inpatient beds
3. Open a Health & Wellbeing hub plus third sector facility
4. Enhance community services without using the physical building
These four scenarios were considered at length during our most recent stakeholder session, attended by representatives from patient group, Llais; county and community councils; third sector representatives; and local nurse and primary care leaders.
Based on scoring conducted by those in attendance against co-developed desirable criteria, it was proposed that options 1, 3, and 4 should be progressed for further development and engagement. Option 2 received lower scores and has not been recommended for prioritisation at this stage
The next phase of work will now involve further engagement with local residents, staff and clinicians to explore these three options, specifically looking at their benefits, disadvantages and if there is anything missing or anything the Health Board needs to consider.
We would like to thank everyone who has already taken the time to share their views with us, and invite you to complete the following questionnaire to help us develop the thinking further. we look forward to further conversations as we enter our next phase of engagement.