Health hub plans to move forward

Residents will soon have a chance to share views on the planned North Powys Health and Wellbeing Hub in Newtown which will include a hospital.

A business case for the development is due to go to the Welsh Government in the summer of 2024.

The development will provide a range of medical and health services currently not available or limited in the area and will work with existing hospitals at Llanidloes, Welshpool, and Machynlleth.

The site will also include a new school on land currently occupied by Ysgol Calon y Dderwen off Park Street.

Russell George, Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, said he believed local residents would soon have a chance to see the plans and give their views.

"As someone who has actively been supporting proposals for a new hospital and health facility to support north Powys residents over many years, I’m delighted that good progress in being made.

"After many years of campaigning, a new hospital and health facility will be located in Newtown and will work side-by-side with the current network of community hospitals in Machynlleth, Llanidloes and Welshpool and district general hospitals around our borders, to ensure that we receive the right treatment much closer to home."

He added: "Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys County Council are leading the project and we can expect more detailed plans to come forward in the coming months.

"Following updates, I have recently had with the health board, the final Outline Business Case should be ready for submission to Welsh Government this Summer. This aims to coincide with Powys County Council submitting its case for the replacement of a new school build, Ysgol Calon y Dderwen, which is currently on the site where the new health hub in Newtown will be located.

"In the early part of this year (2024), there will be opportunities for residents to get involved and share views as those detailed plans are developed."

He said: "The new hospital and facility will improve health and wellbeing services in our area, with enhanced health checks and appointments being offered locally, and some more minor operations being able to be delivered in Powys rather than having to travel out of the county."