James Evans MS has called for urgent clarity following reports that Powys Teaching Health Board is considering reducing hospital beds as part of its budget planning.

According to reports, Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) is considering removing beds in Ystradgynlais, Builth Wells, Knighton, Bronllys, Welshpool, Llanidloes and Machynlleth. Only Brecon and Newtown hospitals are certain to remain, while Llandrindod Wells Hospital is also understood to be under threat.

The reports have caused understandable concern among communities across Powys, where residents expect local hospital services to be protected and maintained.

Mr Evans, who is MS for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, says that while operational decisions are made by the health board only, not directly by politicians in Cardiff Bay or Westminster, the situation underlines why Welsh Government Ministers need stronger powers to intervene when serious concerns arise over health board decisions, something he has long called for.

The MS said he will be contacting both Powys Teaching Health Board and the Welsh Government to seek clear information about the proposals and to press for the funding needed to safeguard local services.

“It is deeply worrying that Powys Teaching Health Board is reportedly considering reducing hospital beds as part of its budget planning. Our communities rightly expect their hospital services to be protected, not quietly scaled back,” said Mr Evans.

“It is important to be clear about where responsibility sits. The health board makes operational decisions, but Welsh Ministers must not be able to wash their hands of serious concerns affecting local NHS services. That is why I have repeatedly called for Ministers to have stronger powers to step in when health board decisions put communities at risk.

“Petitions from other local politicians may raise awareness, but they will not solve the problem on their own. What matters now is securing clear answers, sufficient funding and the right powers to protect NHS services locally.

“I will keep pushing for the resources Powys needs and make sure both the health board and Welsh Government are held accountable for protecting healthcare in our area.”