Welsh Ambulance Service unveils state-of-the-art new coordination and control centre
13.06.2025
THE Welsh Ambulance Service has unveiled its new coordination and communications centre in Denbighshire.
The centre, which occupies space within the Trust’s existing estate on St Asaph Business Park, is the new home of Emergency Medical Services Coordination, Operations Quality, Resourcing and Ambulance Care - Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services.
The new facility has replaced the former site in Llanfairfechan, which had been in operation since 2001 and was no longer fit-for-purpose.
The official opening was attended by High Sheriff of Clwyd, Julie Gillbanks, who unveiled a plaque at the St Asaph Business Park facility commemorating the occasion.
In a carefully planned operation, staff at the Llanfairfechan site attended their final night shift on 07th May, with the final 999 call at the site being taken the next morning by Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Lauryn Edwards.
Meanwhile, while Lauryn was taking the final call, colleagues on the following morning shift began their first day at Ty Elwy, with 999 call taker Katy Hall taking the first call at the new site.
Lee Brooks, Executive Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “This new facility will have a positive impact on all those who work here as well as our patients.
“It’s a state-of-the-art facility, providing everything you would expect to see in a modern ambulance call centre.
“At a time when pressure and call volumes are consistently high across the entire system, this new centre gives us greater flexibility and resilience, enabling us to better deal with the demands being placed upon us.”
The decision to relocate came when the previous building was deemed to be unsuitable due of the expansion of the service, the natural age of the site, and the costly maintenance required to maintain the facility.
In November 2023, after careful consideration, Ty Elwy, St Asaph, was determined to be the most suitable option overall.
The new site also boasts a gym, relaxation area, on-site training facilities, secure parking, clean, bright, comfortable working areas and easy access to the A55 expressway.
During the opening ceremony, High Sheriff of Clwyd, Julie Gillbanks said: “Today, having seen firsthand what is involved in taking an emergency call to the ambulance service, I can really appreciate the advantages of working from this new centre.
“I have learnt so much about triaging and screening calls, ensuring that the right care is provided to the right people while providing alternatives to those who may not require an ambulance.
“Each and every one of the wonderful staff who work here should be proud of themselves and I congratulate them all for what they do to help the people of Wales.”