Hospital getting back to normal

Emergency services and local residents have been soundly praised by the health authorities following the devastation caused by Sunday’s flash floods.

Services at Welshpool Hospital, including the Minor Injuries Unit and Birth Centre, were hit, and the kitchen was closed after torrents of water swept through the facility following the morning storms.

But the town stepped forward in their hour of need and as a result the hospital is almost back to full service just 48 hours later.

Health chiefs have been quick to praise those that stepped forward, including their own staff, many of whom pitched in on their day off.

“Services are beginning to get back to normal,” said a spokesperson for Powys Teaching Health Board.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience to patients who were affected by this dreadful weather and its impact on our services.

“But we also extend our sincere thanks to our staff, members of the community and local partners who truly went the extra mile over the weekend to ensure the safety and continuity of our services, and they are continuing to work hard to get the services back to normal.”

Among the heartwarming stories emerging are one woman turning up to help on her birthday, and bringing her two sons along too, and Tesco donating food when the kitchens were down. Other local businesses offered support and the professional response from the fire service, police and Powys County Council staff have also been praised.

For the time being, the Minor Injuries Unit is operating from the Birth Centre with local women being informed of alternative arrangements currently in place.

The full statement from PTHB can be read on their Twitter page.

PICTURE: Courtesy of Gary Williams