Campaign to reverse 'downgrade' of Llanidloes Hospital
A campaign has been started to reverse the 'downgrade' of Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital.
Calls have been made by local Liberal Democrat campaigner, Fleur Frantz-Morgans who said that the Welsh Government needed to 'cough up the cash' to reverse controversial changes at the hospital.
The changes which were branded 'disastrous' by local councils and GPs are set to be implemented fully earlier this year and the health board has claimed they allowed for better overnight care.
This saw wards in Bronllys and Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital designated as 'ready to go home units' a decision which has been criticised by local health professionals as it would lock out local patients from being treated near their homes and loved ones.
In a recent meeting of Powys Teaching Health Board it was heard that the decision would be reviewed on July 30.
'Our hospital means a lot to us in Llanidloes,' said Fleur. 'All three of my children were born there, and my mum spent time in the Day Centre there.
'It's high-time the Welsh Government cough up the cash to invest in rural health services - rather than downgrading them.'
This has seen Fleur launch a local petition to pressure the heath board and Welsh Government to reverse the changes.
The downgrade has seen problems arise such as back in November, before the changes were fully implemented, when four empty beds in the hospital couldn't be allocated to local patients and were left instead 'bed blocking' in Bronglais Hospital in Aberyswyth.
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Llanidloes Councillor, Glyn Preston has long opposed the plans and presented a petition to the health board last year calling for the 'downgrade' to be avoided.
'After the initial reports last there was no further engagement from the health board, said Cllr Preston. 'There has been no direct communication - residents are raising concerns time and time again.'
Cllr Preston has said that he is looking for support in the council pressuring Powys Teaching Health board to reverse the 'will welcome support from anybody' regardless of political differences.
'Before it was clear from local GPs who should be admitted on the ward and the value of that was incalculable as they know their patients so well,' added Cllr Preston.
'As we know Powys Teaching Health Board has a huge deficit of over £20 million but the blame lies with the Welsh Government.
'We need proper investment for healthcare in the community.'
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