Healthcare facility takes shape

THE NEW owner of a hospital site in Swansea is looking to create a healthcare facility which could include a care home and rehabilitation support.

Care Inn Ltd has bought vacant Fairwood Hospital in Upper Killay from Swansea Bay University Health Board.

A spokesman for Care Inn stressed it was very early days, and that feasibility studies were still under way to consider the best options for the site.

These could include a care home, plus rehabilitation provision for people who had perhaps undergone an operation but weren’t ready to return home.

Although no decisions have been taken, and no planning application submitted to the local authority as yet,  the spokesman said the company wanted the proposed healthcare facility to meet the needs of the area.

Referring to the two-acre site, which overlooks Gower, he said: “We think we are very fortunate. We think it is an excellent site.”

The health board received many bids for the former hospital, which was marketed with offers of £350,000-plus invited.

It was built in 1914, comprises four buildings, and has been used over the years to treat fever patients, new mothers and babies, and convalescing hospital patients.

The hospital closed for good in 2010 as it was considered too expensive to run.

It is understood that Care Inn is keen to make a substantial investment once it becomes clear what shape, form and design the healthcare facility could take.