MS presses Welsh Government over Powys hospital plans

A Senedd member has written to the Welsh Government seeking assurances that the views of Powys residents are being considered in controversial plans that could see community hospital inpatient beds reduced from 146 to as few as 60.

Rebeca Phillips, Plaid Cymru MS for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, has contacted Cabinet Minister for Health and Care Mabon ap Gwynfor over Powys Teaching Health Board’s Better Together proposals.

The health board has proposed cutting the number of adult physical healthcare beds from 146 to 90 across Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown, or to just 60 across Brecon and Newtown.

There are also two options for urgent healthcare, with urgent care centres in Brecon and Newtown under both. One option would retain a Minor Injury Unit in Llandrindod Wells, while the other would provide urgent care centres at just the two sites in the county.

For adult mental health services, the health board proposes providing all functional and organic mental health beds in the Bronllys and Brecon area, alongside investment in community support and crisis response.

The consultation runs until January 10, 2027, with the health board inviting residents to share their views on the proposals.

PTHB says healthcare needs in Powys are changing, with an ageing population, increasing demand and difficulties recruiting and retaining enough staff to maintain existing services.

It says the proposals aim to make services safe and sustainable over the next decade, strengthen care in the community, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and help more people receive treatment within Powys rather than travelling elsewhere.

Ms Phillips said members of the public, clinicians and elected representatives had called for an option that would not involve removing services from community hospitals - but this was not included.

She has asked the Welsh Government to explain how it is ensuring the health board is genuinely considering the views of affected residents. She has also requested details of further discussions between ministers, officials and health board representatives about the proposals.

Ms Phillips said: “Residents across Powys already feel they have a poor deal from their Health Board, with many patients having to travel to Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham or across the border to England for treatment that is available to other Welsh citizens in locations closer to where they live.

“Therefore, the proposal to remove so many beds from local hospitals is seen as insulting to so many of my constituents.

“I look forward to the Cabinet Minister’s response regarding the Welsh Government’s efforts to seek assurances from the Powys Teaching Health Board on the ongoing consultation.

“In the meantime, I want to assure residents that I fully understand and share their concerns regarding the proposal and continue to urge as many as possible to respond to the consultation.”

The health board is holding a series of in-person and online events to explain the proposals and give people the opportunity to ask questions before completing the consultation questionnaire.

The full consultation documents and details of events are available at pthb.nhs.wales/BetterTogether