Will Newtown Town Council submit a united response to NHS plans?

Newtown town councillors will decide on Monday whether to prepare a formal council response to proposals that could reshape health services across Powys.

The town council’s October 26 meeting will consider whether to respond collectively to Powys Teaching Health Board’s Better Together consultation.

It comes amongs controversy and protets in the area from town's including Welshpool and Llanidloes which will see there hospitals downgraded significantly. Politicians and others are also against the plans.

If members agree, they will appoint a working group to prepare recommendations for the council’s November meeting. That would give councillors an opportunity to agree a response on behalf of the town council before the consultation closes on January 10, 2027.

Residents will also have an opportunity to question health board staff at a public drop-in session at the Elephant & Castle Hotel in Newtown on Thursday, December 3, from 2pm to 7pm. People can attend at any point during the session to learn more about the proposals and discuss their views.

The proposals could give Newtown a larger role in providing healthcare for north Powys.

Both options for adult physical health services would retain inpatient care in Newtown, while both urgent-care options propose a new Urgent Care Centre in the town, with seven-day X-ray services.

The plans would also see services transferred from other community hospitals, including Welshpool, alongside greater investment in care delivered in people’s homes and communities.

However, Monday’s agenda does not set out a recommended council position on those proposals. The immediate question is whether councillors want to develop and submit a formal response together.

No final decisions on the NHS changes have been made. The health board expects to consider the consultation findings no earlier than spring 2027, with any approved changes introduced over several years.