Concern is mounting over the access to specialist stroke treatment for Newtown residents.
Last month MyNewtown reported how specialist treatment for stroke patients was being moved from Shrewsbury to the Princess Royal Hospital at Telford.
Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones has now been asked to get involved and to ensure patients who need such treatment are dealt with locally.
Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, has asked Mr Jones to give assurances about such healthcare.
Emergency treatment for stroke patients moved to Telford in 2013 but some patients were still attending the Shrewsbury site for rehabilitation.
After questioning the First Minister, Mr George said: “Having the best possible healthcare for our area is the most pressing issue which is raised with me and there is a deep frustration that access to healthcare is moving further away from our communities.
“I have long been arguing for services to be focused on Shrewsbury, rather than Telford, which is too far away for the people of Montgomeryshire.
“I have asked the First Minister to be more proactive in pressing the case for stroke services to be retained in Shrewsbury so that patients in Mid Wales have adequate access to specialist rehabilitation as close as possible to home.”
Mr Jones told Mr George: “I’m aware, of course, of the proposals. We expect, as a Government, that the relevant stakeholders on our side of the border are involved in any potential changes.
“I know Powys Teaching Local Health Board has been very involved in representing the concerns of residents, and I understand there will be further work taking place for final options to be subject to formal consultation later this year.”
