Community beds will be relocated from Ysbyty George Thomas in the Rhondda, the health board has said
15:30, 13 Oct 2026Updated 15:30, 13 Oct 2026
Concerns have been raised about ward closures at Ysbyty George Thomas in Treorchy, Rhondda(Image: GOOGLE EARTH)
A Welsh health board has responded to concerns over the future of one of its local hospitals.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) has provided an update on the care being provided at Ysbyty George Thomas in Treorchy after locals raised concerns that wards at the hospital will be closing.
Community beds, which are used for patients who no longer require medical treatment in an acute hospital bed but who aren’t ready to return home yet, will be moving from Ysbyty George Thomas and returning to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, it has confirmed.
WalesOnline understands this means the Dinas and Fernhill wards will close by the end of the year.
These wards and community beds were moved to Ysbyty George Thomas from the Princess of Wales after a critical incident was declared at the hospital in October 2024 due to its rotting roof.
CTMUHB have reassured the public that Ysbyty George Thomas will remain open and care will not change for patients in Rhondda Cynon Taf, who will still have access to community beds at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon and Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda.
The beds are returning to Princess of Wales to allow for better access to community beds for patients in the Bridgend area and Ysbyty George Thomas will continue providing services as it did prior to this relocation, the health board said.
The Dinas and Fernhill wards were set up following the critical incident at the Princess of Wales by renovating disused wards at the Treorchy hospital. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here
The move was intended to be a temporary arrangement while essential works took place at the Princess of Wales but this arrangement was extended. However a recent review highlighted the importance of providing equitable access to community beds across all three localities.
Refurbishment is ongoing at the Princess of Wales which the health board say has created an opportunity to increase community bed provision within the Bridgend area, allowing the beds to be moved away from Ysbyty George Thomas.
CTMUHB said it is considering how the vacated wards can be used to support local healthcare needs and discussions are ongoing. Further information will be shared once plans have been developed and agreed.
The health board also said no jobs will be lost as a result of the change.