A PRIVATE hospital that treats Pembrokeshire patients has announced it is to build a new start-of-the-art facility in south west Wales.

HMT Sancta Maria announced today that it has identified a preferred site close to Swansea for the purpose-built hospital, which it says will 'enhance the range of clinical services' available in the area.

Tony Barrett, the chief executive of HMT (Healthcare Management Trust), said: “This ambitious development will ensure that patients across Swansea and west Wales continue to benefit from access to leading clinical services within a facility designed to offer the very best patient experience.”

Sancta Maria hospital director, Stuart Hammond, said: “This announcement represents a new era for Sancta Maria Hospital and for healthcare provision in south Wales.

"Moving to a purpose built healthcare facility will ensure HMT Sancta Maria continues to lead the way in providing high class medical care and treatment whilst maintaining its position as one of Wales’ best performing hospitals.

“Of course, in the meantime, we will continue to deliver the highest level of care at our Swansea site which is currently being modernised until the relocation takes place in 2017.”

The Hospital Management Trust was founded in 1985 by a group of people 'who believed that private medicine and care in opposition to the NHS should not be the only way forward'. It is a 'not for profit' independent provider of health care services with two hospitals and three care homes.