"Do Mid Wales lives really matter?"

A Welshpool County Councillor has called on Mid Wales communities to unite in signing a petition calling on the Senedd to step-in over Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) plans to close 60 beds in community hospitals.

MyWelshpool readers have been signing in their hundreds since we announced our support for the campaign last week, sending it well on its way, but the momentum needs to continue.

Meanwhile, a second Welshpool county councillor, Carol Robinson, organised a meeting with nurses (above), retired nurses from Welshpool and Shrewsbury Hospitals to garner support and raise awareness for a separate petition to PTHB that can also be signed in person in shops, restaurants, and pubs in Welshpool as well as The Flash Leisure Centre.

But there have been some harsh words from Cllr Breeze who says the ludicrous proposals from PTHB has led to him asking the question “if Mid Wales lives really matter?”.

“Politically backed petitions have fallen on deaf ears at the Health Board,” said Councillor Graham Breeze, who represents the Welshpool Llanerchydol Ward where Welshpool Hospital is based.

“The only way to put an end to this madness is for the Senedd to instigate a full inquiry into rural healthcare and halt PTHB proposals while the probe continues.

“The Senedd petition submitted by Catherine Duerden needs 10,000 signatures and had risen to over 6,000 on Sunday after just a few days - 10,000 signatures ensures that a debate will be considered by the Senedd.

“PTHB is not the only Welsh health body in a state of financial crisis and these proposed short-term measures are not the right ones - financially, medically or morally. 

“So, I urge everyone to add their name to the electronic petition. The thought of Welshpool Hospital without beds, without an X-Ray department and without a minor injuries unit is a frightening one.

“Residents already face lengthy cross-border journeys, a lack of social care and the loss of the area's Air Ambulance base. This money saving exercise makes everyone question if Mid Wales lives really matter.

“Please sign the petition link.”

So, if haven’t done so yet, please sign the petition by clicking here and ensure that you send this link to friends and family wherever they may be.

PICTURE: By Phil Blagg