A campaign opposing possible cuts to community hospital beds across Powys has passed 3,500 signatures, with public meetings now planned across the county.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats launched the petition after reports that Powys Teaching Health Board is considering options which could see inpatient services removed from all but two community hospitals in the county.

The proposals, of which no final decisions have been made, could see inpatient beds concentrated at hospitals in Brecon and Newtown.

The petition has gathered support online and at the Royal Welsh Show, where campaigners spoke with residents about concerns over the future of local healthcare services.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats said they hope to reach 5,000 signatures over the summer ahead of the next stage of the Better Together process being carried out by PTHB.

Public meetings have now been announced to allow residents to hear more about the proposals, ask questions and discuss the campaign.

The first two meetings will take place at Ystradgynlais Welfare Hall on Tuesday, August 18 at 7pm, and Strand Hall, Builth Wells, on Wednesday, August 19 at 7pm.

Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick and Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd MS Jane Dodds will attend both meetings. Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera councillor Susan Grounds will also attend the Ystradgynlais meeting.

Further meetings across Powys are expected to be announced.

Concerns over the future of community hospitals have also been raised across the political spectrum, including at Powys County Council, where councillors unanimously backed a motion calling for clarity from the health board.

The motion, brought forward in response to reports of possible changes to inpatient services, called for greater transparency and said any proposals affecting hospital capacity should be properly scrutinised.

Councillors also urged the health board to ensure any move towards more care being provided at home is supported by the right community infrastructure.

‘Extraordinary’ response

David Chadwick said the response to the petition showed the strength of feeling among communities across Powys.

He said: “Passing 3,500 signatures in such a short space of time shows just how strongly communities across Powys feel about protecting their local hospitals.

“The conversations I've had at the Royal Welsh Show and with residents across the county have sent one clear message: people will not quietly accept another downgrade of healthcare in rural Wales.”

He added: “This campaign is only just beginning. We want to hear directly from local people at our public meetings, answer their questions and work together to send the strongest possible message to the Health Board and the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government that these proposals must not go ahead.”

‘Still time to influence the outcome’

Jane Dodds said community hospitals were “at the heart of healthcare in Powys”.

She said: “I want to thank everyone who has already signed our petition or spoken to us at the Royal Welsh Show.

“Your support is helping to build a powerful campaign that cannot be ignored.

“There is still time to influence the outcome. I would encourage everyone who is concerned about the future of our local hospitals to come along to one of our public meetings, have their say and join us in standing up for healthcare in Powys.”

PTHB has said no decisions have been made on the future of community hospital services.

The health board said its Better Together programme was exploring options for providing “safe, high quality and sustainable services” in the future, with any proposed changes subject to engagement and consultation with staff, patients, communities and stakeholders.