March 11, 2026 - 171 views
Work is set to begin soon on a major £33 million development aimed at transforming healthcare services at the historic Royal Alexandra Hospital.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has appointed construction firm MTX Contracts to deliver the new purpose-built facility, which is being funded by the Welsh Government as part of wider efforts to modernise healthcare services across North Wales.
The three-storey development will include a new minor injuries unit capable of treating more than 20,000 patients a year, alongside expanded radiology and dental services.
The facility will also include a same-day care centre, imaging and ultrasound departments, four dental suites, a patient and visitor hub and dedicated staff areas. A 14-bed “ready-to-go-home” reablement unit is also planned to support patients who no longer need hospital treatment but require short-term support before returning home.
Health leaders say the project will improve access to urgent and community healthcare in the Rhyl area while easing pressure on larger hospitals in the region by allowing more patients to be treated locally. Bringing NHS and social care teams together in the same building is also intended to help people recover more quickly following medical or surgical treatment.
The development forms the first phase of a wider £60 million investment programme at the Royal Alexandra Hospital site. The hospital has long played an important role in healthcare provision in Rhyl and surrounding communities, although its role has evolved over the years as more specialised services have been concentrated at larger hospitals across North Wales.
A second phase of redevelopment, which would focus on improving the existing hospital buildings, is expected to be brought forward separately by the health board.
The project has already been developed through a detailed design process, with MTX working alongside NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and hospital staff to shape the layout and facilities in the new building. The scheme is being delivered through a two-stage procurement process and has been designed to meet RIBA Stage 4 standards before construction begins.
The new building has also been designed to achieve a BREEAM “Excellent” environmental rating, reflecting the growing emphasis on energy-efficient healthcare facilities across Wales.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said the investment would help reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving care closer to home.
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.”
The construction will use modern building techniques, with major sections of the structure manufactured off-site before being transported to Rhyl and assembled on location. Prefabricated steel units will be produced in factories while groundworks take place, before being craned into position to create the building’s structure and allow internal work to progress more quickly.
David Hartley, Managing Director of MTX Contracts, said the company was proud to be involved in the project.
He said: “Being chosen to partner with the health board in the creation of this important healthcare project reflects our strong track record in providing high-quality healthcare facilities across the UK.
“By employing hybrid methods of construction and our own unique skillset, we’re looking forward to delivering this vital new facility quickly, sustainably and cost-effectively.”
Work on the site is expected to start in the coming weeks, with the new healthcare facility scheduled to be completed in 2027.
