Newtown event will allow residents have their say on Wednesday

Newtown residents have just two weeks remaining to make their voices heard in a crucial consultation about the future of health services across Powys, with a final public meeting scheduled for the town on 16 July.

The Better Together programme, run by Powys Teaching Health Board, represents what officials describe as a vital conversation about responding to mounting pressures facing local health services, including rising demand, workforce shortages, ageing infrastructure, and significant financial constraints.

The current phase of the consultation focuses specifically on adult physical and mental health community services, with residents able to share their views until 27 July 2025. The engagement follows an earlier stage in spring that examined the broader case for change across Powys health services.

Public meetings have already taken place in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais, but Newtown residents will have their opportunity to attend the final event on 16 July at Hafan Yr Afon near Dolerw Park, with workshops between 2-4pm and drop-ins between 5-7pm. The consultation documents can be accessed online at www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/better-together-summer25, with printed copies available from local libraries or by calling 01874 442917.

The Better Together programme comes against the backdrop of significant controversy surrounding cross-border healthcare arrangements that have particularly affected Newtown patients. 

MyTown Media has already reported on what Montgomeryshire MS Russell George described as "indefensible" waiting times for local residents seeking treatment in English hospitals.

The controversy centres on decisions by Powys Teaching Health Board to align with NHS Wales waiting time targets rather than the typically faster English standards, despite available capacity across the border. 

Mr George raised concerns about plans that would "ultimately lead to Powys patients facing slower access to treatment in English hospitals despite available capacity", with the health board citing financial reasons for the changes.

Currently, Powys patients face average waiting times of 29 weeks at Gobowen's Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, and 24 weeks at Shrewsbury and Telford district Hospitals. The health board's cost-cutting measures, which came into force on 1 July, mean some residents now face even longer waiting times for planned care at English hospitals such as Royal Shrewsbury or Hereford County Hospital.

The issue has prompted political intervention, with the First Minister previously agreeing that the situation was "unacceptable" following Mr George's representations in the Senedd. The MS argued that asking English health providers to slow down care delivery for Powys patients, despite sufficient capacity, was "completely scandalous".

This historical context adds particular significance to the current Better Together consultation, as it represents the health board's broader strategy for addressing what it describes as a £22 million overspend and the need to live within its means whilst maintaining quality services.

The health board says that whilst it has excellent foundations to build upon, radical changes are needed in how services are provided to meet increasing demand and future population needs. Officials stress that any changes will be made through working with local people, partners and staff to shape services that remain sustainable, effective, and focused on community priorities.

The consultation specifically warns that addressing current challenges might mean patients need to access services differently or in different locations, though it maintains that patient care and safety remain at the forefront of all decision-making.

Following the current focus on adult physical and mental health community services, future phases of Better Together will examine planned care, including routine outpatients and surgical procedures, followed by services supporting children, families and women's health.

For Newtown residents, the 16 July meeting represents their final opportunity to influence these decisions before the consultation closes. 

The health board runs annual services costing £10 million and emphasises its commitment to working with patients, service users, communities, and partner organisations to improve health outcomes whilst making services more efficient and effective.