Powys Teaching Health Board is calling on all Powys residents, patients and service users to share their views on the future of health services.

The ‘Better Together’ programme is working across the county to find ways to keep delivering quality services that best meet the needs of the people of Powys.

Hayley Thomas, Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB), said: “Our ambition is that Powys residents receive safe, quality and reliable health care services.

“We want to make the very best use of the resources we have whilst ensuring above all that patient care and safety is at the forefront of everything we do.”

In recent years the county and its population has experienced lots of changes. Communities are getting older, and as they age, more people are living with more health conditions. The legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic still affects services, with rising demand for treatments and growing waiting lists. Large increases in the cost of fuel, food and other bills have had an impact, too.

Better Together pledges to work with local people, health board staff and stakeholder organisations, to develop a plan that meets the needs of Powys communities over the next 10 to 25 years.

This plan will help PTHB respond to changes in illnesses and treatment and invest more into preventing ill health. It will also look for ways to build a sustainable workforce, and to improve building and facilities so they can meet needs into the future.

The Better Together initiative will look at how care is delivered across the county, as the NHS grapples with increasing demand, staff shortages, outdated buildings and mounting financial strain. The health board says the current system is no longer sustainable, with rising waiting lists, heavy use of agency staff, and delays in discharging patients due to a lack of community care capacity. It says the various challenges mean that “no change” is not an option.

The health board will be reviewing each of its service areas in turn, and based on feedback from the county’s health care professionals, propose to focus on certain areas first. The first phase of the programme will focus on community and adult mental health services in 2025, with planned care and women and children’s services set to follow in the coming years. Health chiefs say they want to work with patients, staff and communities to help shape the future of services in Powys.

To share your views, you can visit the Better Together website read the summary or full case for change documents: www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/better-together-spring25

If you need a paper copy, want an easy read version, or to sign-up to receive regular updates on Better Together, call 01874 442 917 email [email protected] or write to: Better Together, Powys Teaching Health Board, Glasbury House, Bronllys Hospital, Bronllys, Powys LD3 0LY.

This first phase of Better Together seeks your views by May 25, but the health board says there will be plenty more opportunities to get involved.