Fight begins to stop cut in Welshpool Hospital beds

A proposal being considered by cash-strapped Powys Teaching Health Board could lead to Welshpool Hospital having its number of inpatient beds cut.

Political figures have come out in united outrage this morning after it was revealed that the local health board was considering cutting beds at all of its community hospitals and centralising at Newtown and Brecon.

And while they say this is merely one of several proposals on the table to help trim their burgeoning budget, County Councillor Graham Breeze said this option must be taken off the table.

In a lengthy statement on Facebook, Cllr Breeze said he “absolutely opposed” the move and that the “very idea that reducing bed numbers, or removing them altogether, is being considered is deeply concerning and completely out of touch with the reality already facing patients and healthcare staff”.

Political parties have also been vocal this morning with Plaid Cymru’s Elwyn Vaughan saying he is “highly concerned”, and Lib Dems Welsh Leader Jane Dodds vowing to fight the plans “to the bitter end”.

Residents are being asked for their view on the proposed cuts,

with more details available by clicking here.

What has Powys Teaching Health Board said?

Adrian Osborne, Deputy Director of Powys Teaching Health Board:

“Powys communities and PTHB staff are passionate about health services, and they have a special place in the life of our county.

“But together we face some important and complex choices about the future. An ageing population, growing burden of ill health, fewer people of working age – all these factors mean that bold ideas are needed.

“We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our residents. This is why we have established the Better Together programme, working with staff, patients, communities and partner organisations to explore potential options for safe, high quality and sustainable services in the future. This work is helping us develop and test ideas, understand the benefits and risks of different approaches, and guide further work to secure the future of NHS services in Powys.

“It would be wrong to suggest that decisions have been made about the future of community services in Powys, or that any future model of care has been agreed. Instead, it is vital that we take the time to carefully consider a wide range of options – looking at how we strengthen primary and community services, how we improve prevention and public health, and how we provide bed-based care in the best possible way for the future.

“No decisions have been made, and none will be made until there has been full and meaningful consultation with our staff and the public, which we expect to take place from September. More information will be available later this summer and we strongly encourage everyone to get involved and share their views.”