A CAMPAIGN opposing proposed changes to community hospital services in Powys has gathered more than 3,500 signatures, as organisers announce the first in a series of public meetings across the county.
The petition, launched by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, calls on Powys Teaching Health Board to reject options that campaigners claim could result in inpatient beds being retained at only two of the county’s community hospitals.
More than 1,000 additional signatures were gathered during the Royal Welsh Show, where campaigners spoke to residents about the future of healthcare provision in rural communities.
The party hopes to reach 5,000 signatures before the Senedd returns from its summer recess and ahead of the next stage of the health board’s review.
Two public meetings have now been confirmed:
- Tuesday, August 18, at Ystradgynlais Welfare Hall, attended by David Chadwick MP, Jane Dodds MS and Cllr Susan Grounds.
- Wednesday, August 19, at 7pm, at Strand Hall in Builth Wells, attended by David Chadwick MP and Jane Dodds MS.
Further meetings are expected to be announced across Powys in the coming weeks.
The campaign follows reports that the health board is considering options that could concentrate inpatient community hospital services in Brecon and Newtown.
No final decision has been made, but the Welsh Liberal Democrats argue that removing inpatient wards from other community hospitals would amount to closures “in all but name” and leave rural residents with poorer access to healthcare.
The party also claims the changes could place additional pressure on families, carers and already stretched social care services.
David Chadwick, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said the number of signatures demonstrated the strength of opposition to the proposals.
“The response from local people has been extraordinary,” he said.
“Passing 3,500 signatures in such a short space of time shows just how strongly communities across Powys feel about protecting their local hospitals.
“The conversations I’ve had at the Royal Welsh Show and with residents across the county have sent one clear message: people will not quietly accept another downgrade of healthcare in rural Wales.
“This campaign is only just beginning. We want to hear directly from local people at our public meetings, answer their questions and work together to send the strongest possible message to the health board and the Welsh Government that these proposals must not go ahead.”
Jane Dodds, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Member for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, said community hospitals remained central to healthcare provision in Powys.
“Our community hospitals are at the heart of healthcare in Powys, and the strength of feeling we’ve seen over the past few days reflects just how important they are to local people,” she said.
“I want to thank everyone who has already signed our petition or spoken to us at the Royal Welsh Show. Your support is helping to build a powerful campaign that cannot be ignored.
“There is still time to influence the outcome. I would encourage everyone who is concerned about the future of our local hospitals to come along to one of our public meetings, have their say and join us in standing up for healthcare in Powys.”
The petition is available through the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ website.
