Final public event as health chiefs plan for future delivery

Montgomeryshire residents have just two weeks left to make their voices heard in a crucial consultation about the future of health services across Powys, with a final public drop-in scheduled for Newtown tomorrow (Wednesday).

The Better Together programme, run by Powys Teaching Health Board, represents what officials describe as a vital conversation about responding to mounting pressures facing local health services, including rising demand, workforce shortages, ageing infrastructure, and significant financial constraints.

The current phase of the consultation focuses specifically on adult physical and mental health community services, with residents able to share their views until July 27. The engagement follows an earlier stage in spring that examined the broader case for change across Powys health services.

Public meetings have already taken place in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais, but residents will have their opportunity to attend the final event on tomorrow. The consultation documents can be accessed online at www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/better-together-summer25, with printed copies available from local libraries or by calling 01874 442917.

The Better Together programme comes against the backdrop of significant controversy surrounding cross-border healthcare arrangements that have particularly affected Montgomeryshire patients. 

MyTown Media has already reported on what Montgomeryshire MS Russell George described as "indefensible" waiting times for local residents seeking treatment in English hospitals.

The controversy centres on decisions by Powys Teaching Health Board to align with NHS Wales waiting time targets rather than the typically faster English standards, despite available capacity across the border. 

Mr George raised concerns about plans that would "ultimately lead to Powys patients facing slower access to treatment in English hospitals despite available capacity", with the health board citing financial reasons for the changes.

Currently, Powys patients face average waiting times of 29 weeks at Gobowen's Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, and 24 weeks at Shrewsbury and Telford district Hospitals. The health board's cost-cutting measures, which came into force on 1 July, mean some residents now face even longer waiting times for planned care at English hospitals such as Royal Shrewsbury or Hereford County Hospital.

The issue has prompted political intervention, with the First Minister previously agreeing that the situation was "unacceptable" following Mr George's representations in the Senedd. The MS argued that asking English health providers to slow down care delivery for Powys patients, despite sufficient capacity, was "completely scandalous".

This historical context adds particular significance to the current Better Together consultation, as it represents the health board's broader strategy for addressing what it describes as a £22 million overspend and the need to live within its means whilst maintaining quality services.

The health board says that whilst it has excellent foundations to build upon, radical changes are needed in how services are provided to meet increasing demand and future population needs. Officials stress that any changes will be made through working with local people, partners and staff to shape services that remain sustainable, effective, and focused on community priorities.

The consultation specifically warns that addressing current challenges might mean patients need to access services differently or in different locations, though it maintains that patient care and safety remain at the forefront of all decision-making.

Following the current focus on adult physical and mental health community services, future phases of Better Together will examine planned care, including routine outpatients and surgical procedures, followed by services supporting children, families and women's health.

For local residents, Wednesday's meeting represents their final opportunity to influence these decisions before the consultation closes. 

The health board runs annual services costing £10 million and emphasises its commitment to working with patients, service users, communities, and partner organisations to improve health outcomes whilst making services more efficient and effective.

The Newtown public drop-in event will take place tomorrow from 5pm-7pm at the Upstairs Function Room, Hafan yr Afon (SY16 2NH).