Doctors across Powys are calling on the Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) to reconsider proposals that could lead to the closure of inpatient beds at most of the county's community hospitals. Under the options being explored, the number of community hospital beds would fall from around 160 to approximately 60, leaving inpatient wards only in Brecon and Newtown.
What the changes would mean locally
The proposals are part of the health board's Better Together programme. If implemented, they could remove inpatient capacity from community hospitals in Welshpool, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells, Ystradgynlais and Llanidloes. Clinicians warn that this would make access to care more difficult in rural communities and leave some sites "no longer fit for the local population".
"It's a nightmare for me then, and I don't know how somebody without a car would even get there,"
The warning is illustrated by the experience of a Llandrindod Wells couple. After treatment at Hereford County Hospital, the patient — who has a chronic condition and takes numerous daily medications — was initially to be discharged to a community hospital in Ross-on-Wye, roughly 90 minutes from home, because no beds were available in Powys. Her husband, with his own health problems, said the arrangement would have been unmanageable. He subsequently contacted the health board via a county councillor and a bed was found at Bronllys community hospital near Brecon.
Health board process and next steps
PTHB has emphasised that no final decisions have been made. A public consultation on the proposals is expected to begin in September, giving residents, clinicians and partner organisations an opportunity to respond to the options being considered.
- Current estimated community hospital beds: about 160
- Proposed beds under options: about 60
- Locations proposed to retain inpatient wards: Brecon, Newtown
- Other community hospitals mentioned: Welshpool, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells, Ystradgynlais, Llanidloes
Local GPs and community campaigners have expressed concern that concentrating beds in fewer sites would increase travel times for relatives and carers, and could result in more patients being transferred across the border to English hospitals — a situation that already affects some Powys residents.
| Item | Number / Status |
|---|---|
| Estimated current community hospital beds | ~160 |
| Proposed beds under options | ~60 |
| Community hospitals proposed to retain inpatient wards | Brecon, Newtown |
Details released so far are limited to the options being considered. The proposed reductions are likely to prompt detailed scrutiny from elected representatives and campaign groups during the consultation period, when the evidence base, demand modelling and proposed alternatives should be published for public examination.
For families and carers in rural Powys, practical questions include how transfers to more distant community hospitals would be managed, what support would be available for transport, and how continuity of care would be maintained for patients with complex, long-term conditions.
The health board's stated timetable places the public consultation in September; until then, residents and clinicians will be awaiting further detail on the criteria that have informed the options and the measures proposed to mitigate the impact on rural communities.
