It is still not clear whether plans for the new Cardigan hospital building will include beds.

The Tivy-Side asked Hywel Dda Health Board to clarify the situation, in response to growing confusion surrounding the type of inpatient facilities that will be provided at the new development.

The health board was asked to confirm that there will actually be beds within the new building, or if they will be associated with the hospital’s services, but elsewhere in the community.

A health board spokesman said: “The new Cardigan development project board is due to meet in the next few weeks, and we wish to assure local residents that we are committed to providing a clear time-line and steer as to the decisions made regarding the modern, purpose built facility as soon as these are available.”

The minutes of a recent health board meeting state that future plans for Cardigan include the development of community services and providing care closer to home.

Staff will transfer from the inpatient service to a variety of community services following a period of training.

A report of the meeting states: “The expectation of a like for like replacement hospital is inappropriate to deliver 21st Century healthcare.”

The report added: “It was not anticipated that the beds would transfer from the current facility into the new development – although the Health Board has always recognised that there will need to be beds associated with the centre.”

The meeting was told that the ‘nature of the beds required’ will be determined in the next few months, and that the new development ‘is not referred to as a hospital’.

The report states: “It is likely that a mixed economy of care will be required in order to meet the range of needs for the health profile of the population.”

The minutes refer to a range of beds being provided in the community in various settings, including nursing homes, joint care beds and within people’s homes.

The report adds that the health board plans to hold a series of engagement events to live local people an opportunity to view plans for the new centre.