BLOOD TEST SHUFFLE: Llanelli patients moved AGAIN as services shift to new £60m Pentre Awel site

The move by Hywel Dda University Health Board marks the latest change for locals, who previously saw blood tests controversially shifted to an “out-of-town industrial park” in Dafen from the Antioch Centre in 2024.

That move drew heavy fire from patients at the time, as the Dafen Mass Vaccination Centre is not served by any public bus routes. The Health Board was even forced to offer limited appointments at Prince Philip Hospital specifically for those who relied on public transport and couldn’t reach the industrial estate.

Now, the service is set to find a permanent home at the £60 million Canolfan Pentre Awel, a modern sports and leisure facility that officially opened its doors in October 2025.

The new location is expected to be a relief for many, as it is marginally better served by public transport and sits much closer to the Antioch Centre where tests were originally held before the Dafen “exile.”

The Health Board claims the shift to Pentre Awel will finally offer the improved accessibility, better transport links, and more convenient parking that patients have been demanding.

Canolfan Pentre Awel already boasts a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, which opened in February 2026, providing therapeutic support for people with various conditions.

The phlebotomy team will initially be based in Block B, sharing space with Research and Innovation services and a range of bookable clinical rooms.

While the Health Board states the move aims to enhance the “patient experience,” for many in Llanelli, it simply means yet another change to navigate for a routine but essential service.

For now, patients are being told to continue booking their blood test appointments at the current Dafen site or Prince Philip Hospital. Appointments can be made online via the existing booking system or by calling the Communications Hub on 0300 303 9642.

The Health Board has confirmed it will release further details regarding the exact opening date at Canolfan Pentre Awel and any changes to appointment arrangements as soon as they are available.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Health Board moves Llanelli blood tests to out-of-town industrial park Initial 2024 relocation that sparked anger over a lack of bus services and its remote location.

Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli after years of anticipation A first look at the £60 million facility that is now set to become the permanent home for blood tests.

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New location for blood tests at Singleton Hospital

The new phlebotomy clinic can be found at the second door, formerly the admissions office, on the left of the Corridor 1, just past the volunteer reception desk.

The move is designed to enhance patient experience, streamline operations and enable people to have blood tests without having to go outside the main hospital building and negotiate a hill, exposed to the elements, to the right of the main building. 

The new premises will be opening for appointments on Monday, 29th September, 2025, at 8am.

Phlebotomy manager, Adel Owen-Goddard, said:

“We’d like to thank the public for patiently waiting for this move, and we’d like to thank our estates colleagues for their help and support in making this happen.

“The decision to move was driven by several key factors and the main being accessibility challenges.

“The current location has posed difficulties for patients with mobility issues, has limited parking and outdated infrastructure.

“The new clinic will be situated in Corridor 1 which can be easily accessed from the main entrance. 

“The benefits are easier access from the car park, outside disabled car parking and a bus route. The coffee shop is also nearby.

“All booked appointments will have no disruption; it will be business as usual. 

“We are encouraging all our service users to attend for their appointment time because unlike the current accommodation there will be no waiting room available just a small sub-waiting area.

“The move is based on serving the public better and meeting the needs of many. 

“Our valued volunteers will be on hand to help with any queries during the early weeks and our experienced teams will provide the best care.”

Joanne Phillips, Deputy Service Manager, added:

“We are delighted to announce the successful relocation of the phlebotomy service at Singleton Hospital. This move has long been an ambition, aimed at improving accessibility for our patients by positioning the service closer to the main entrance and outpatient department.

“Feedback from patients and staff alike has consistently highlighted the need for a more accessible location, and we are pleased to have been able to respond to those concerns. 

“We look forward to hearing further feedback now that the relocation has taken place, and hope this change will make a positive difference to everyone who uses the service.”

[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]

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