Hospitals consultation underway as Newtown becomes a focus
Running through to January 10, the health board said it is seeking views on proposals for adult physical health, adult mental health, urgent care and some diagnostic services.
But should the plans go ahead, Welshpool will lose its hospital beds, X-Ray facility and Minor Injuries Unit to a new health hub in Newtown.
The health board said the proposals respond to “significant challenges facing health services, including rising demand, an ageing population and difficulties recruiting and retaining the workforce needed to sustain services across a large rural county”.
They insist that no decisions have been made about future service changes and that the consultation is an opportunity for residents, patients, carers, staff and partner organisations to consider the evidence, describe potential impacts, suggest alternatives and help shape what happens next.
They also said there are no plans to close any hospitals, but should they go ahead, there won’t be much left at Welshpool.
Readers can take part by reading the consultation documents, completing the questionnaire, emailing feedback, attending a local drop-in event or joining an online event.
Thirteen locality events and three online events will provide opportunities for people to meet the team, ask questions, discuss the proposals and then complete the questionnaire. Full details can be found at http://pthb.nhs.wales/BetterTogether.
Dr Carl Cooper, Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “This is your NHS and your opportunity to influence its future. No outcome has been predetermined. We want people to test the evidence, challenge our thinking and help inform what happens next.
“We recognise that people may have strong views about the proposals and what they could mean for patients, families, communities and staff. We welcome questions, challenge and debate and ask everyone attending events to treat others with courtesy and respect.”
Dr. Kate Wright, Executive Medical Director, said: “These proposals are about how we continue to provide safe, high-quality care for future generations while supporting more people to stay well and independent in their communities. We want to hear where the proposals could improve care, where they could create difficulties and what else we should consider.”
Consultation documents, the questionnaire, event details and information in alternative formats, including British Sign Language, audio and Easy Read, are available at http://pthb.nhs.wales/BetterTogether
Feedback will be independently analysed before being considered by the Board alongside any alternative proposals and new evidence received during the consultation.
The current expectation is that the Board will consider a post-consultation decision case no earlier than spring 2027.
All locality events will take place between 2pm and 7pm.
- Wednesday 14 October 2026 – Strand Hall, Builth Wells
- Thursday 15 October 2026 – Y Plas, Machynlleth
- Monday 19 October 2026 – Knighton Community Centre
- Wednesday 21 October 2026 – Llanfyllin Youth & Community Centre
- Tuesday 27 October 2026 – Clarence Hall, Crickhowell
- Tuesday 3 November 2026 – Llanidloes Community Centre
- Thursday 5 November 2026 – Wellington Hotel, Brecon
- Tuesday 10 November 2026 – The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells
- Thursday 12 November 2026 – Talgarth Town Hall
- Thursday 19 November 2026 – The Institute, Llanfair Caereinion
- Wednesday 25 November 2026 – The Welfare, Ystradgynlais
- Tuesday 1 December 2026 – Welshpool Town Hall
- Thursday 3 December 2026 – Elephant & Castle Hotel, Newtown
All online events will take place between 6.30pm and 8pm.
- Thursday 29 October 2026
- Monday 7 December 2026
- Thursday 7 January 2027
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