HEALTH chiefs have performed a U-turn and agreed to extend a deadline for responses on controversial plans to relocate a stroke unit.

Earlier this week Powys teaching Health Board insisted the consultation period for the public to have their say on proposals to move the stroke rehabilitation unit from Bronllys Hospital to the War Memorial Hospital in Brecon would close as planned today, Friday, November 30.

But this afternoon the board wrote to 'stake holders' announcing it is extending the consultation period for a further two weeks.

The board had insisted the consultation would close after 10 weeks, having opened on September 17, as consultations are limited by law to 12 weeks.

But in the letter, health board chief executive, Andrew Cottom confirms the deadline is being moved back to Friday, December 14 to allow the consultation to run for the maximum 12 weeks.

He wrote: "Although the defined consultation period is now over, following feedback from community groups, the Health Board has agreed to extend the deadline for submission of feedback on this consultation until 14 December 2012.

"This additional time will allow as many people as possible to have their say on the specific proposals around stroke services in order to help us make the best decisions in the interests of the community. This has been agreed in discussion with campaign groups and with the Community Health Council."

Earlier in November, six town and community councils, including Hay and Talgarth, joined the Bronllys Hospital & Community League of Friends in writing to Welsh health minister Leslie Griffiths, in a bid to get her to order a fresh consultation.

They claimed the public was unaware the consultation was only on the proposed relocation of the stroke unit as it had been publicised in a document discussing the long term provision of health services in south Powys.

Following a meeting with Welsh Assembly Members representing Mid and West Wales campaigners instead asked the health board to extend the current consultation period.

Maggie Sims, chair of the Bronllys league of friends, welcomed the announcement the deadline had been extended, though said she would have preferred a longer extension.

She said: "The idea of this fortnight extension is so the public can be made aware the consultation is about the stroke unit only. There has been confusion all along.

"It now gives us a fortnight to let the public know the consultation is really about moving the stroke unit to Brecon."

Powys teaching Health Board has said Breconshire War Memorial Hospital is better equipped to host the stroke unit, from which some patients have to access services at both hospital sites, and centralising the service in Brecon will improve patient care and make the service more sustainable.

Powys teaching Health Board staff will be available in the Mansion House on the Bronllys Hospital site between 10am and 6pm on Tuesday, December 11 for any members of the public wishing to discuss these plans.

Comments on the proposed relocation of the stroke unit can be submitted to Stroke consultation, Powys teaching Health Board, Mansion House, Bronllys Hospital LD3 0LS.