FEARS over staffing levels could force Powys Teaching Health Board to close beds at one of its hospitals.

The board has admitted it is struggling to recruit staff to work at Breconshire War Memorial Hospital in Brecon and could have to close beds as a result to ensure safe patient care.

The hospital has been subject to an external investigation following a complaint regarding the care of a patient. Since the investigation began sickness rates among staff at the hospital have increased.

The board has said it has taken action to address issued raised following the investigation and is managing beds on a "day to day basis".

For the full story see this week’s Brecon & Radnor Express - on sale from Wednesday, March 2.