Powys Teaching Health Board will next week decide whether to continue controversial temporary changes to hospital services across the county, including those affecting Newtown and Llanidloes.

The board's public meeting on July 30 will consider recommendations following a six-month evaluation of changes introduced in December 2024, which saw services restructured at community hospitals amid significant public opposition.

Under the temporary arrangements, Llanidloes Hospital was converted to a "Ready to Go Home" unit for patients awaiting community care packages, whilst Newtown Hospital became a specialist rehabilitation centre. The changes also reduced opening hours for Minor Injury Units in Brecon and Llandrindod Wells to 8am-8pm. There are no changes to Welshpool.

The health board said the evaluation found "positive impacts, including improved service reliability, enhanced patient and staff safety, reduced staffing costs, and better patient outcomes".

If approved, the temporary arrangements will continue pending decisions through the Better Together programme, which is reviewing the future of adult physical and mental health community services across Powys.

The original changes, implemented on December 1, 2024, were designed to address the health board's projected £22 million deficit and persistent staffing challenges. They followed a six-week engagement process during which strong public opposition emerged, including a petition signed by 2,300 people against the Llanidloes changes.

Local politicians and residents had raised concerns that the temporary measures would become permanent. Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds described the original decision as having "a severe effect on the quality of healthcare on offer to local residents."

The changes meant that patients who previously received mixed care across all hospital sites were grouped according to specific needs. Patients requiring active rehabilitation, such as stroke patients, were directed to Newtown and Brecon hospitals, whilst those ready for discharge but awaiting care packages were housed at Llanidloes and Bronllys.

The health board has stressed that no beds were lost as a result of the reorganisation, with visiting hours remaining flexible to accommodate families.

The Better Together programme, launched earlier this year, represents a comprehensive review of health services in Powys over the next 10 to 25 years. Public consultation on adult physical and mental health community services closes on 27 July, with further engagement events planned for autumn 2025.

The programme acknowledges growing pressures on NHS services, including an ageing population with multiple health conditions, rising demand for treatments, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the public can follow next week's board meeting via livestream, with the agenda and papers available in advance on the health board's website.

The decision will be communicated widely to staff, the public, and local communities following the meeting.