Stroke service changes will affect local patients, says MS

Hundreds of residents from across Mid Wales, including families from west Montgomeryshire, have voiced strong opposition to controversial plans that could force stroke patients to travel to distant hospitals for treatment.

Montgomeryshire MS Russell George joined approximately 400 people at a packed public meeting on Friday evening at Aberystwyth Arts Centre to challenge Hywel Dda University Health Board's proposals to downgrade stroke services at Bronglais Hospital.

Under the health board's plans, Bronglais would become a 'Treat and Transfer' hospital for stroke patients, meaning they would receive initial care locally before being moved to hospitals in Llanelli or Haverfordwest for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

The proposals have sparked particular concern among communities such as Llanidloes, Caersws and Carno, where families would face four-hour round trips to visit loved ones during critical periods of stroke recovery. Mr George highlighted this burden during his address to the meeting, emphasising the vital role family support plays in patient rehabilitation.

"The proposals to remove the stroke unit at Bronglais and adopt a 'Treat and Transfer' model, sending patients to Llanelli or Haverfordwest, are simply not acceptable for the people of mid Wales," Mr George said after the meeting. "The geography of our region means long, stressful journeys for families at a time of crisis."

He added that a round trip from towns such as Llanidloes or Machynlleth to Llanelli would take family members four hours or more, undermining the crucial support patients need during recovery.

Former clinicians attending the meeting described the proposals as both "unworkable and dangerous," expressing deep concern about patient safety and wellbeing under the new arrangements. The audience demonstrated remarkable unity in opposing the changes, with a strong consensus that the plans would compromise care standards.

Mr George argued that investment, rather than downgrading, was needed at Bronglais Hospital. "We should be investing in Bronglais, not downgrading its services," he stated, praising the Protect Bronglais Services campaign group for their efforts in raising awareness and mobilising community opposition.

The meeting made clear the unique challenges faced by rural Welsh communities in accessing healthcare services. For residents of communities like Caersws and Carno, the prospect of losing local stroke care represents not just an inconvenience but a fundamental threat to family welfare during medical emergencies.

The public consultation on the proposals, now in its third week, remains open until 31st August. Residents can respond by visiting the health board's website at hduhb.nhs.wales/about-us/healthier-mid-and-west-wales/clinical-services-plan-consultation/

The strength of opposition demonstrated at Friday's meeting suggests Hywel Dda University Health Board faces significant resistance to its plans from communities across mid Wales, where access to life-saving stroke care remains a critical concern for families.