Investigations have revealed that the roof of the Bridgend hospital in Wales will need to be replaced immediately, which will cost almost £28 million to repair, according to the health secretary for Wales, Jeremy Miles.

In October, services, theatres and wards have been relocated elsewhere in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, following the failure of the 40-year-old roof failed. The Welsh government aim to replace around 10,000 square metres of the roof as fast as possible, to allow services to resume, starting with maternity and neonatal care.

At the same time, electrical upgrades and fire safety measures are being carried out to minimise disruption to patients and staff working at the Princess Of Wales Hospitals.

The roof replacement works, a job equivalent to reroof 166 terraced houses, is expected to be completed by the summer.

Cabinet secretary for health and social care, Jeremy Miles, said: “We are providing £27.9 million to replace the damaged roof at the Princess of Wales Hospital.

“This urgent funding will help re-open wards and bring back other vital services to Bridgend and ensure the safety of thousands of people who attend the hospital every day.

“Work is progressing well on site, and I want to say thank you to the health board, patients, staff, and everyone involved in this huge project for their patience and understanding.”