Rural health board shake-up opposed as locals fight cuts to hospital beds
The plans would see inpatient beds reduced from 146 to either 90 or 60 in the county.
Proposals to reduce community hospital beds in rural areas of Powys, Wales, have sparked strong opposition from locals and healthcare professionals. The plans suggest cutting inpatient beds from 146 to either 90 or 60, potentially eliminating wards from Welshpool, Machynlleth, Ystradgynlais, and Llanidloes. The health board argues the changes are necessary for safe and sustainable services, citing staffing and geographical challenges.
However, GPs, politicians, and communities fear the closures would worsen access to care for an aging rural population. A recent public meeting in Llanidloes saw over 400 people oppose the changes. Critics argue that delivering care in the community might not be feasible, especially for residents living far from hospitals, with journeys potentially extending to over 45 minutes one way.
The health board's Better Together program aims to overhaul services in adult physical and mental health, urgent care, and diagnostics, but the most contentious aspect involves reducing inpatient beds in most community hospitals, where occupancy rates are typically high. The first reduction option would see beds concentrated in three community hospitals, while the second would be even more drastic, with beds only in two hospitals.
Health officials estimate that journeys to inpatient care could lengthen significantly, with some residents facing over 45 minutes each way to the nearest hospital.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
