Powys Teaching Health Board will meet at the end of July to decide the future of Llanidloes Hospital, with local Liberal Democrats demanding the reversal of controversial changes implemented six months ago.
The meeting comes as the temporary six month trial period for the hospital's downgrade to a "Ready-to-go-home-unit" nears its end. The changes, which came into effect in December 2024, were approved unanimously by Powys Teaching Health Board despite a 2,300-signature petition and warnings from local doctors.
Local campaigner Fleur Frantz-Morgans, who has personal connections to the hospital, is leading calls for the Welsh Government to properly fund rural health services rather than allowing further downgrades.
"Our Hospital means a lot to us in Llanidloes. All three of my children were born there, and my mum spent time in the Hospital there," said Frantz-Morgans. "It's high-time the Welsh Government cough up the cash to invest in rural health services - rather than downgrading them."
The changes to Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital were driven by Powys Teaching Health Board's need to address a budget deficit of approximately £23 million. Under the approved plans, Llanidloes and Bronllys hospitals now provide care packages for patients requiring no additional treatment and are "ready to go home", whilst Newtown and Brecon hospitals provide rehabilitation care for patients.
The health board was keen to point out that there would be no reduction in bed numbers due to the changes, and a review would take place after six months with the option to reverse the changes if needed.
The proposals faced significant opposition from the local community. Hundreds attended public consultations in August 2024, with concerns raised not only by residents but also by current and former GPs and other local health professionals.
The downgrade has attracted criticism from politicians across party lines. Montgomeryshire MP Steve Witherden called for the plans to be withdrawn, arguing that "any change proposed on a temporary basis would only consolidate and legitimise a permanent change".
MS Russell George also called for the plans to be paused, stating he didn't believe the health board had "set out their current proposals in a meaningful way".
Llanidloes Town Council branded the changes the start of a "downgrade disaster", even calling for the "resignation and removal" of health board members.
The Liberal Democrats argue that the downgrade was forced upon the Health Board by funding constraints from the Welsh Labour Government. The decision comes as part of broader cost-cutting measures across Powys, with the health board facing significant financial pressures.
The changes mean some patients won't be treated at the hospitals closest to their homes. With no general hospital in the county, residents are already forced to travel out of county for treatment.
The Liberal Democrat team has launched a "Reverse the Downgrade" petition, which can be found at https://www.montlibdems.org.uk/reverse. The campaign argues that the Welsh Government should provide adequate funding rather than allowing rural hospitals to be downgraded.
Recent reports suggest there has been "some positive feedback from temporary changes" to the Ready to Go Home units, with a full evaluation expected to be completed by June 2025.
However, campaigners remain concerned that what was presented as a temporary measure could become permanent without proper investment and political pressure.
The 30th July meeting will be crucial in determining whether the changes continue, are modified, or are reversed entirely. The health board has previously committed to evaluating the changes and including the option of reversing the decision in any recommendations.