CONSTRUCTION work on a hospital’s new outpatient department is nearing completion.


The facility at Deeside Community Hospital will include a new suite of six consulting and treatment rooms, an assessment room, and a waiting area and play area for children.


Patients from Deeside will no longer have to travel to Wrexham, Chester or Glan Clwyd when the new clinic rooms open this week.


A one-stop cardiology clinic and dermatology clinic which have already opened will be followed by a pain clinic, maternity, gynaecology and medical sub-specialities including gastroenterology, diabetic services, endocrinology and hepatology.


From next year ENT, audiology (hearing), ophthalmology (eyes) and maxilla-facial services will be developed on the site.


The Health Board is also looking at setting up a minor injuries service at the hospital.


Consultant physician Dr John Harvey, who is the clinical lead for the project, said: “These are important developments for the health service in North East Wales.


“They mean we can treat more of our residents locally within Wales, giving patients a more convenient service and making us less dependent on hospitals in England.


“Keeping services local also means we can work more closely with local GPs, community health teams and social services to make sure patients receive more co-ordinated care.”


Eighteen new car parking spaces have been built to accommodate the development and health bosses are working with Flintshire Council to improve a bus service to the hospital.


GP Dr Tim Davies, from The Quay Health Centre in Connah’s Quay, said: “Local treatment is always preferable for patients.


“It can save hours of travelling so it should be popular with patients and visiting consultants, and having consultants just down the road for advice, support and local education meetings will be invaluable.”


The Welsh Assembly Government pledged £750,000 towards the development.