Just one person votes in favour of hospital cuts

Following on from our earlier story covering last night’s historic public meeting discussing proposed cuts to services at Welshpool Hospital, it has been revealed that just one person voted in favour of the proposals at the secret vote taken on the night.

Residents and officials delivered a clear message to Powys Teaching Health Board at the meeting, with considerable anger at plans to cut the beds, X-Ray facility and Minor Injury Unit at the hospital.

PTHB says they are necessary to help them deliver a health service to budget, but it was clear last night that the Welshpool area will be impacted considerably by the proposals.

Following the discussion, electors voted overwhelmingly against the proposed changes. 93 voted against the closure of inpatient beds, with just one in favour, while 92 opposed the removal of the Minor Injury Unit and X-ray services at the hospital, with just one in favour and one blank or rejected ballot.

A further vote saw 93 electors support a call for the Welsh Government and Senedd to halt and review the Better Together Programme, with just one against.

Throughout the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the distance patients would need to travel for alternative healthcare, the pressures on neighbouring hospitals, the impact on social care and the importance of maintaining accessible services for rural communities. Residents also highlighted the longstanding contribution of the League of Friends and shared personal experiences of the importance of local hospital provision.

The Mayor, Cllr Bill Rowell (pictured), has thanked everyone who attended and encouraged residents to continue making their views known through the Health Board's consultation process.

The ballot results represent the views of participating Welshpool electors and are not binding on Powys Teaching Health Board.