WORK is yet to start on the North Denbighshire Community Hospital in Rhyl.

It was hoped that construction work begin by December 3, subject to capital funding being released by the Welsh Government.

However, a final decision is yet to be made on the development.

A Welsh Government spokesperson told the Journal: "The business case for the Royal Alexandra Hospital scheme has gone through the scrutiny process.

"Welsh ministers will now make a final decision on the scheme and the health board will be informed as soon as that decision is made."

The hospital will be built next to the existing Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Services will include community beds, a same-day minor injuries and illness service, a treatment zone, and outpatient therapy and IV therapy services.

Sexual health, community dental, radiology, adult psychology, older people’s mental health, and child and adolescent mental health services will also be provided from the site.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd - who was informed in November by Jo Whitehead, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), that "I am pleased to confirm that we have now reached agreement with the contractor based upon a start date of no later than December 3 2021", said: "It is disappointing, particularly after such a long wait already, that work on site for the Royal Alex Hospital did not start by the date the health board promised.

"I understand this is because confirmation is still being awaited from the Welsh Government regarding funding.

"I have written to the Welsh Health Minister to ask her to urgently clarify the situation.

"This new facility is needed more than ever to relieve pressure on Glan Clwyd Hospital."

BCUHB were unable to issue a comment at this time but did say they are awaiting the Welsh Government's decision on their funding application.

In November 2019, Kier was appointed to manage all aspects of the construction and planning of the development which is set to cost more than £60million.