Llais has called for a mid-point review of the proposed consultation on major changes to NHS services in Powys.

The independent body, which represents the views of patients and the public in Wales, said people will need clear information about the Better Together proposals if they are to have confidence in the consultation process.

Speaking at Wednesday’s health board meeting, Llais Powys regional director Katie Blackburn said people would want to understand why changes are being considered and what they could mean in practice.

She said the proposals were about more than hospital beds, covering physical and mental health, urgent care, diagnostics and community services.

“People need to understand not just what is being proposed, but why, and what it could mean in practice for them, their families and their communities,” she said.

Llais said access would also be an important issue in rural Powys, including travel times, transport options and the impact of repeated journeys on patients and families.

It has asked for a mid-point review of the consultation if it goes ahead, looking at who is taking part, whether any communities are being missed and whether people are getting the information they need to take part.

Llais said the consultation should also be accessible to people who may face barriers because of disability, language, caring responsibilities, transport or digital access.

"People will want to understand how responses are analysed, how themes and alternative ideas are considered, and ultimately how their views contribute to the decisions that follow,” said Ms Blackburn.

"Just as importantly, people need to understand what influence their contribution can have on the process, and what it cannot."

Ms Blackburn said Llais had not been involved in selecting the options being considered by the health board. Its role will be to listen to people's experiences, concerns and ideas during the consultation and raise the issues it hears with the health board.

“Llais is independent and we will remain independent throughout this process,” she said.

“Our role is not to determine the outcome. Our role is to make sure people's voices form part of the evidence considered as decisions are made.”

The health board's consultation is due to run from October 5 to January 10.