"The many social benefits that the Bath House scheme will bring to the people of Cardigan, namely a new hospital, integrated GP medical centre and social housing, do not come without financial subsidy.

The development of the Bath House site requires substantial investment in infrastructure and services - the costs of these will be funded by the retail element of the development.

This is a well understood process known as planning gain and without this funding from the retail element the hospital would have no site as it would have to fund the infrastructure itself, significantly reducing budget available for the actual medical facility.

Prior to committing to Bath House, the Ceredigion, and Mid Wales NHS Trust looked at a number of options for a suitable location for a new health care facility .for the people of south Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire.

The decision was that Bath House was the preferred site for the new facility.

With the adoption of the UDP as a planning material considerarion, in January 2007 it became the only practical site.

With state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, the new Hospital and GP Health Centre will be able to offer the people of Cardigan and the surrounding area a first-class hralthcare service, without, in many cases the need to travel long distances."

Article written by Emyr Williams