THE Welsh Ambulance Service has unveiled its new headquarters building in North Wales.
Ty Elwy, the Trust’s new office on St Asaph Business Park, has been unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd Henry Featherstonhaugh, Esq, OBE.
More than 100 colleagues who provide administrative and support services for the Trust now call the plush, two-storey office block home.
The new facility also boasts a suite of meeting rooms and a base for operational ambulance crews.
The development of a state-of-the-art training facility and staff welfare suite are due for completion in the near future.
Prior to the move, staff were based at the nearby HM Stanley Hospital site, which is now in the process of being decommissioned and sold.
Speaking at the unveiling, Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “HM Stanley Hospital has a rich and colourful history which we are proud to have been a part of, but ultimately, it was time to upsize and modernise.
“The move to Ty Elwy is part of a bigger plan to bring our estate into the 21st century and give our staff the facilities they deserve.
“Colleagues based at Ty Elwy play a critical behind-the-scenes role in the running of the Welsh Ambulance Service.
“We think the office environment is key to raising staff morale and productivity, and that’s why it was important to make this move if we want to provide the best possible service to patients.”
Assistant Director of Capital and Estates Richard Davies, as Senior Responsible Owner, led the ambitious programme of work, supported by Project Director Derek Johns and Project Manager Andrea Davies.
The successful delivery of the scheme, which involved the search for and purchase of a new premises and its subsequent refurbishment, was made possible by a dedicated Project Team.
Richard said: “The move to a new headquarters building has been talked about for many years and we’re thrilled that it has now come to fruition.
“The feedback from staff has been really positive, and the new building has also been well received by our visitors.
“We’d like to thank colleagues for their patience and support through the project, and our partners and contractors for making our vision a reality.”
Work to refurbish the vacant building was completed on time and on budget by Read Construction, overseen by Contract Manager Billy McCormack, who said: “This project has seen the modernisation of the office building to create a contemporary environment for the building users, using local labour to maximise value for North Wales.”
Today’s unveiling coincided with the Trust’s signing of the Step into Health pledge, a new programme to help members of the Armed Forces gain employment in the NHS.
Claire Vaughan, Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, said: “Our work with the Armed Forces community has shown us time and again the direct correlation between the values held by those in the military and our own Trust behaviours.
“We also recognise the wide range of skills and unique personal experiences which veterans and reservists can being to the Trust.
“The pledge we have made today is a symbol of our commitment to highlight the career opportunities available to members of the Armed Forces and support them in gaining employment within our ambulance service.”
