Newtown's health provision needs to be expanded with a consideration for minor operations, according to Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.
Mr George is in discussions with the Powys Local Health Board about increasing the Shropdoc services in the town and developing facilities to deliver minor operations, saving patients travelling to hospitals or surgeries outside the area.
"We simply cannot impose urban solutions in a rural area like Montgomeryshire. People living in Mid Wales should have the same access to health services as in any other part of Wales or the UK," said Mr George. "I believe Powys Health Board must examine a range of primary and secondary health services it delivers in Montgomeryshire and bring forward some innovative solutions, which will provide the flexibility that people are looking for."
"In terms of primary care, I would really like to see the expansion of the Shropdoc service and I was pleased by some of the proposals put forward by health officials in our recent meeting. People in and around Newtown value the Shropdoc service and want to see the hours lengthened, especially over the early evening and the weekend. I would certainly welcome the expansion of the service to a Saturday morning."
Mr George praised the health board for establishing a stroke rehabilitation centre in Newtown which was recently opened by the Welsh Government's health minister. But he said more was still needed. His comments come as the Shropshire and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust said it is to hold meetings with groups in Montgomeryshire, including Newtown Town Council, about changes to health services in Shropshire that will affect patients in north Powys.
"I had the privilege to be with the Health Minister a few weeks ago when she opened the new stroke rehabilitation centre in Newtown, which will provide an integrated rehabilitation service for patients who have had a stroke for both inpatients and outpatients. Locating this service at Newtown hospital was a big boost for the town."
He added: "For people who live in the Newtown catchment area, having the facilities in Newtown to deliver minor operations should be the next focus for the Powys Local Health Board. There has been a strong feeling in Newtown that we have been let down when it comes to health services; however, with the recent opening of the stroke rehabilitation centre in Newtown I hope this is a sign of change."
"I intend to continue to work constructively with the local health board and the Welsh Government, to see that Newtown builds on this success."
