In June 2018 Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, announced 1 April 2019 as the date for a boundary change between the Cwm Taf University Health Board and the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.
Why the change?
Bridgend County Borough Council has worked closely with local authorities in Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan and the South Wales Valleys, particularly in regards to the Cardiff Capital Regions City Deal which aims to attract significant private sector funding.
Being involved in such efforts while being part of the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, it is believed that Bridgend County Borough Council is working across two operational areas.
Local Government Secretary, Alun Davies, has stated that the move promotes effective working and decision-making across South Wales.[1]
Implications for staff
NHS Wales has consulted trade unions and held consultations with staff and stakeholders. It is believed that the working conditions of current staff will not be altered.
There is some uncertainty at a managerial level where similar roles are filled in both health boards. This may result in redundancies or reduced working hours.
Impact on patients
Patients in Bridgend will not be required to re-register at their GP surgeries. In essence the only difference that they are intended to see is the change of letterhead on any correspondence.
Change of name
The current Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board will be renamed as the Swansea Bay University Health Board.
Cwm Taf University Health Board will the convert to Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board to reflect the geographic expanse.
