"Hywel Dda NHS Trust plans to transform the Aberystwyth hospital - providing additional and modernised services to the local population.

Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the project would establish the county's first Clinical Decisions Unit, as well as three new operating theatres, a new A&E Unit, a new Maternity Ward and an extension and improvements to the Outpatients Department.

The Trust is currently developing detailed design of the facilities with the aim of submitting a full business case to the Welsh Assembly Government by the end of next summer.

If approved, this project would not only enhance the services, access and hospital environment for current patients, but it would also help secure the hospital's long-term future. Additional facilities such as the 14-bed CD Unit and theatres would also support the Trust to cut waiting times and to meet current healthcare and design standards.

Under the plans, the new building would house A&E and the CD Unit on the ground floor, Outpatient's on the first floor, Maternity on the second floor, Theatres on the third floor, with mechanical plant above.

The hospital's main entrance would be via Penglais Road with additional parking provided on a single storey deck above the current main car park.

The Trust is already working with Ceredigion County Council and the University to explore the possibility of establishing a new park and ride scheme in the north of Aberystwyth. This would provide additional spaces for the town, as well as for patients and staff during the construction period.

If the project is approved by county planners, the Trust will announce further public engagement events in order to involve the local community in the detailed design of the new facilities."

Hywel Dda NHS Trust is also working closely with Ceredigion County Council and Aberystwyth University in order to ease parking problems in the town and at the hospital and university sites.

The three partners hope to establish a Park and Ride scheme in the north of the town, which should ease parking pressure in the centre and at Bronglais Hospital and the various University sites.

If successful, a funding bid to the Welsh Assembly Government could result in implementation of the scheme by 2010/11.

In the meantime, the University and NHS Trust are working together to try and find an interim solution. The Trust is particularly keen to establish a temporary park and ride scheme, as there are plans for a £30m development at the hospital, which if approved by county planners next month, could result in work starting towards the end of next year.

A temporary park and ride scheme would allow patients and staff to park and then travel on to the hospital whilst the construction period is ongoing. Parking spaces for emergency staff and disabled patients and visitors would continue to be provided on the Bronglais site during construction.

The scheme would also benefit shoppers and visitors to the town, as well as University students and staff.