COLUMN: ‘There’s good and bad news over local health care’
“There is positive news about works at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, which will mean access to enhanced life-saving emergency care that will serve us in mid-Wales. But there is also less positive news to report.
The recent decision by Powys Teaching Health Board to temporarily downgrade some services at Llanidloes Hospital is a significant concern for our community. In a meeting held on October 10, the Board approved proposals that will change the model of inpatient care in Llanidloes for a six-month period, with implementation expected by December 2024. This decision follows an August public meeting in Llanidloes that saw hundreds of worried residents, healthcare professionals, and former GPs gather to voice their concerns about the impacts of these changes.
One troubling aspect of this decision is the timing and transparency of the consultation process. Holding this consultation in August, during the height of the summer holidays, meant that many people were unable to participate or provide their feedback. This lack of engagement has left many in the community feeling unheard, while the term “temporary change” only fuels concerns that these downgrades could become permanent.
I have raised our concerns directly in the Senedd and with Ministers several times, recently asking the First Minister to consider the true adequacy of this consultation process and to clarify if the proposed changes really are temporary.
The fact that these downgrades are driven by financial constraints does not instil confidence, and I am concerned that cost-saving measures could undermine the quality of care available to residents of mid Wales.
The reality is that these “temporary” changes will likely impact more than just patient care. Reducing services may make it harder to retain and recruit skilled staff at Llanidloes Hospital, which could have a ripple effect across healthcare in the region. Our healthcare professionals deserve to work in an environment that is supported, not undermined by budget cuts.
Unfortunately, when I pressed the First Minister on this issue, her response was dismissive. She suggested that service changes fall solely under the remit of local health boards, distancing the Welsh Government from the realities facing our hospitals. Yet, I believe the Welsh Government has a responsibility to provide more than strategic direction—they should be working with health boards to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of communities, not just financial pressures.
In better news, I recently visited the site at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Construction has been progressing for several months as part of a plan to establish it as the main emergency hospital for north Powys, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. This is an exciting development for us in Mid Wales, as it will mean access to enhanced life-saving emergency care in Shrewsbury.
More than a standard A&E, the new plans include the return of consultant-led women’s and children’s inpatient services, the head and neck department, critical care, and the stroke unit to Shrewsbury.
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will specialise in Emergency Care, while the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford will become a Planned Care centre, with both hospitals maintaining 24-hour Urgent Care centres.
Work has begun on a new four-story expansion to support these services. Visitors to the hospital this year may have noticed some disruption, as construction ramps up to bring these vital improvements to life.”
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