Plans for major changes to NHS services across Powys will go out to public consultation after the health board approved the move today (Wednesday).

The 14-week consultation will run from October 5 to January 10, 2027, covering adult physical and mental health, urgent care and some diagnostic services.

The Better Together proposals could see physical health inpatient provision reduced from the current 146 beds across eight community hospitals to as few as 60 beds at just Brecon and Newtown.

Under both options, inpatient beds would be removed from Ystradgynlais, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Knighton and Bronllys, while one option would also remove beds from Llandrindod Wells. New Urgent Care Centres would be established in Brecon and Newtown - open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The plans could also see inpatient mental health services end at Llandrindod Wells, Brecon and Ystradgynlais, with provision brought together in the Bronllys and Brecon area.

No final decision has been made on the proposals.

Under the options, services would remain at all of Powys’ community hospitals, but inpatient beds would be concentrated on fewer sites. The health board says this would be accompanied by more care being provided in people’s homes.

Residents, patients, staff and other organisations will be able to raise concerns, suggest alternatives and challenge the proposals during the 14-week consultation. Thirteen drop-in events are planned across Powys, alongside online events.

Dr Carl Cooper, Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, said: "Today's decision marks the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one. The Board has agreed that these options should now be tested through a fair, transparent and meaningful consultation.

"The recommendations approved today have been informed by feedback from thousands of patients, residents, NHS staff and partner organisations over the last two years.

"No outcome has been predetermined. We want people to test the evidence, challenge our thinking and help inform what happens next. We will need to understand the evidence, experiences, concerns and alternatives raised during consultation and give them conscientious consideration in public before any final decision can be made."

Consultation documents, including a questionnaire and details of events, will be published on October 5.

Kate Wright, Executive Medical Director, said: "Harm from prolonged hospital stays has become well evidenced. It is clear that a health system that can provide more care in community settings would deliver better care and outcomes for patients.

"These proposals explore how we can provide safe, high-quality care for future generations, support more people to stay well and independent, and retain inpatient care for those whose needs cannot safely be met at home. They are focused on strengthening community services for patients with physical and mental health needs.

"We want people to tell us where the proposals could improve care, where they could create difficulties and what else we should consider."

Feedback will be independently analysed before being considered alongside alternative proposals and new evidence.

The health board currently expects to consider its final decision in spring 2027.