Rapid progress is being made converting three sites in Carmarthenshire into temporary medical provision.
Carmarthenshire County Council has commissioned its framework contractors to prepare Carmarthen Leisure Centre, and the Selwyn Samuel Centre and Parc y Scarlets barn in Llanelli, to provide additional bed space for the NHS.
It is hoped the sites will be ready within weeks, in time for an anticipated peak demand for beds in May.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole, and Deputy Chief Executive Jake Morgan, visited the sites today to check progress and thank contractors and operational staff for working tirelessly to prepare the facilities.
“It is impressive to see both the scale of work and the pace at which staff are working to get these facilities ready,” said Cllr Dole.
“Not one of us wishes we were ever in this position, but I want to thank our officers, contractors and staff at each venue for working tirelessly to prepare for and respond to this crisis. This is partnership working at its best and to have made so much progress on site in only four days is extraordinary.”
Once complete, the facilities will be managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by clinicians, with some support services provided in partnership with local firms and the County Council.
Hywel Dda Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer said the facilities will be essential to manage patient flow over the coming weeks.
Carmarthenshire County Council wishes to thank Llanelli Town Council and Parc y Scarlets for their support.
Members of the public and the media are asked to respect contractors and staff as they carry out works at each venue.
