Powys hospital changes a downgrade says councillor

Proposed changes to a community hospital in Powys could be the first step towards its eventual closure, a councillor has said.

Glyn Preston said locals have urged health board officials not to "downgrade" facilities at Llanidloes War Memorial, as part of proposed changes to community hospitals across Powys.

Over 50 people attended a public meeting in Glantwymyn on Thursday to discuss the changes, which is one of a series expected to be held by the local community until 8 September.

Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) said the temporary changes, which include reducing opening hours, are "necessary to help maintain quality services within the resources available".

But local people and some surgeries have expressed concerns about the impact the changes would have on patients.

Mr Preston, who represents Llanidloes in Powys council, said: "At the public meeting, the community spoke with one voice to say 'no' to downgrade.

"We are very aware that the health board is predicting a hole of £22m in next year's budget and we understand that they have to respond to that.

"But we are really concerned as a community that could mean closing [Llanidloes hospital] and that these changes could be the first step towards that."

The health board proposals outline changes to inpatient services at eight community hospitals in Powys, which currently has no general hospital.

Patients instead often have to travel to Aberystwyth, Shrewsbury or Telford for treatment.

The proposals suggest that hospitals in Llanidloes and Bronllys would mainly provide care packages for patients who require no additional treatment and are "ready to go home".

While two community hospitals – in Newtown and Brecon – would provide additional services for patients who need rehabilitation care.

The other four hospitals (Ystradgynlais, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and Machynlleth) would continue to operate as general medical wards.

The health board has acknowledged this could mean that patients would not be cared for in the community hospital closest to their homes.

Dr David Moore, from Arwystli Medical Practice in Llanidloes, said he was worried the changes would mean patients would not always be treated at the hospital nearest to their home.

"Being close to home not only aids a patient's recovery, it is easier for families to visit and support patients staying in the community hospitals," he said.

Dr Moore also claimed GPs were told days before the proposals were announced, and they had "no prior information" about how the changes would affect patients.

He added that the timing of the engagement period during the school holidays meant that "our ability to respond to that process and be part of it has been very limited".

In response, PTHB has extended the engagement period to 8 September to provide "more opportunity for people to have their say on these proposals".

PTHB says the changes would be temporary but would be in place for at least six months from Autumn 2024.

Among the health board's proposals is to reduce the opening hours of the minor injury units in Brecon and Llandrindod hospitals.

The unit in Brecon is currently open 24 hours every day of the week, while the unit in Llandrindod is open from 07:00 until midnight.

Under the proposals both would be open between 08:00 and 20:00 every day.

In a statement, PTHB said: "These changes aim to reduce unnecessary extended stays in hospital, so that patients are able to return to their home.

"They also aim to help us bring patients back into Powys more quickly from hospitals in neighbouring counties."