Health chiefs move forward on possible changes to Newtown Hospital

Health chiefs will decide on Wednesday whether controversial plans to make Newtown Hospital a key inpatient centre for north Powys, while concentrating beds on fewer sites, should proceed to formal public consultation.

Powys Teaching Health Board will meet on 16 September to consider the next stage of its Better Together programme, which could lead to major changes to hospital, urgent care, mental health and diagnostic services across the county.

The proposals have already raised concerns in north Powys, with Newtown retaining inpatient beds under the options put forward while they would no longer be provided at hospitals including Welshpool, Llanidloes and Machynlleth.

But Wednesday's meeting will not make a final decision on those changes.

Instead, board members will decide whether the proposals, evidence and supporting information are sufficiently developed to be put before the public in a formal consultation.

If approved, that consultation would begin on 5 October and run until 10 January 2027.

Patients, residents, NHS staff, councils and other organisations would be able to challenge the health board's evidence, comment on the options and put forward alternatives before any final decisions are taken.

The feedback and any new evidence would then be considered, with recommendations currently expected to return to the health board for a decision in spring 2027.

The meeting marks a significant stage in a debate over the future of health services which has already generated concern across north Powys.

Under the options previously published, inpatient physical health beds would be concentrated on fewer community hospital sites, with Newtown retaining inpatient provision and becoming a major focus for services in the north of the county.

All existing community hospital sites would remain open, according to the health board, although the services provided from them could change.

The plans are based on providing significantly more care in people's homes and communities, which the health board argues would reduce the need for hospital beds.

They also include enhanced Urgent Care Centres operating from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, alongside changes to diagnostic and mental health services.

Dr Carl Cooper, Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “The Board is being asked to consider whether these proposals are ready to be examined through formal public consultation.

“Our responsibility is to consider whether the evidence, options and supporting information are sufficiently developed to progress to this important next step. If consultation is approved, we want people to test the evidence, challenge our thinking, and help inform what happens next.

“This is not currently a decision on the future configuration of services. Such decisions could only be made following full and meaningful consultation.”

The health board says the recommendations have been informed by feedback from thousands of patients, residents, NHS staff and partner organisations over the past two years.

It says an ageing population, increasing numbers of people living with several long-term conditions and difficulties recruiting and retaining staff are making it increasingly difficult to sustain the existing model across a large rural county.

Executive Medical Director Kate Wright said: “Harm from prolonged hospital stays have become well evidenced. It is clear that a health system that can provide more care in community settings would deliver better care and outcomes for patients.”

She added: “These proposals explore how we can provide safe, high-quality care for future generations, support more people to stay well and independent, and retain inpatient care for those whose needs cannot safely be met at home.”

If the board approves consultation on Wednesday, it would begin a further three-month public process before recommendations on the future of the services are drawn up.

Any final changes would require a further decision by the health board after that consultation has concluded.