The Powys Labour Group has written to the Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board seeking urgent clarification over reports that inpatient ward beds could be concentrated in just two hospitals under proposals currently being considered by the Health Board.
Reports indicate that one option under consideration could see inpatient beds centralised in Brecon and Newtown, with approximately 60 beds available across both sites.
The Labour Group says residents across Powys are deeply concerned by the reports and is calling for greater transparency from the Health Board about its plans.
Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Powys Labour Group Leader, said:
“Residents across Powys will understandably be concerned by reports suggesting community hospital beds could be removed from much of the county.
“Our community hospitals play a vital role in supporting patients and their families, particularly in a large rural county where travelling long distances for care can be difficult.
“While we recognise the challenges facing the NHS and support efforts to improve healthcare outcomes, any proposals of this scale must be developed openly and with local communities at their heart.”
The Labour Group has requested an urgent meeting with senior Health Board leaders to discuss the proposals and gain a fuller understanding of the options being developed through the Better Together programme, which is considering the future shape of healthcare services in Powys.
The Group is seeking further information on:
- The options currently under consideration.
- The evidence supporting each proposal.
- The impact on individual community hospitals.
- Potential changes to inpatient bed numbers.
- The effect on patients, staff, carers and families.
- The timetable for consultation and decision-making.
Labour councillors are also calling on the Health Board to commit to holding public meetings in communities across Powys before any decisions are made.
Cllr Huw Williams, Aber-craf and Ystradgynlais Ward, said:
“People have a right to know what changes are being considered and how they may effect local healthcare services.
“The Health Board must ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to ask questions, challenge proposals and make their voices heard.
“We are therefore asking for public meetings in communities across Powys so that local people can engage directly with decision-makers before any recommendations are taken forward.
“Transparency and public trust are essential. Decisions about the future of healthcare in Powys cannot be made without the active involvement of the communities they will effect.”
The Powys Labour Group said it looks forward to receiving a response from the Health Board and working constructively to ensure that local residents are fully informed and involved in discussions about the future of healthcare services in the county.