Powys health chiefs to keep eye on West Wales NHS shake-up
At a meeting of Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) on Wednesday, July 30, members asked when would the outcome of Hywel Dda University Health Board's consultation be made public.
The consultation on its Clinical Services Plan runs until the end of August.
Independent member and Powys County Councillor Chris Walsh (Labour) asked if the potential changes proposed by Hywel Dda would 'influence any scenarios' that PTHB is considering in its own 'Better Together' transformation programme.
PTHB chief executive Hayley Thomas said: 'There will be a process that Hywel Dda need to undertake to take on board all of the insight they have gained through the engagement and consultation processes that they have had.
This would be brought to the PTHB board for consideration.
Ms Thomas said: 'That will probably take them a couple of months to do after the closure of the consultation.
'Currently the time scale for reporting on the plan that Hywel Dda have set, is its November board (meeting) that will be subject to the volume and scale of responses that they need to analyse.
'Understanding the changes to neighbouring health board plans and what does that mean in terms of pathways of care for our population in Powys is something we have to manage.'
She told members that regular 'strategic change report' will be brought in front of the board's planning committee to evaluate all of the proposed changes to health services around the county's borders.
Ms Thomas said: 'These are options at the moment. We are not able to build a preferred option into our thinking and how we would need to adapt our service model in Powys.'
Hywel Dda is consulting on proposed changes across nine service areas which are: critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, elective orthopaedics, radiology, stroke, and urology.
The issue has already been discussed by Powys County Council.
At a meeting in March, councillors voted to support a motion to protect health services at the only district general hospital serving Mid Wales.
Councillors fear that Hywel Dda will downgrade the stroke unit at Bronglais hospital in Aberystwyth to a 'treat and transfer' unit.
This would mean that some patient rehabilitation for residents in the west of Powys could take place at other hospitals, potentially hours away in Llanelli or Haverfordwest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'My son hasn't had a glass of water since he was four - and I understand why'
A new survey has revealed four in ten Brits rely on cups of tea to stay hydrated - and one mum has said her son hasn't drunk a glass of water in five years because it's "boring" More than two and a half million Brits struggle to recall the last time they had a plain glass of water. Research has discovered almost half rely primarily on cups of tea to stay hydrated, with a third opting for coffee or fizzy drinks. Boomers are twice as likely as Gen Z to rely on tea for their fluid intake. Meanwhile, women are more likely than men to fail to drink enough water. The survey based on 2,000 adults found only 17 per cent are consuming enough water, based on NHS guidance which suggests up to eight glasses a day. What's more, one in ten parents polled don't think their children drink enough each day. The study, which also surveyed 837 teenagers, discovered 15 per cent of them consume plain water only a few times a week at most, leaving many parents worried about their intake and three quarters having to 'force' their children to stay hydrated. It comes after a doctor's warning to people who drink even a 'single cup of tea'. Man called 999 for 'his own protection' - then ended up jailed himself One mum, Kelly Mulligan, 53, says her son, Max who is nine, hasn't had a glass of plain water since he was four years old. The youngster would rather drink apple juice, which Kelly dilutes with water to keep his sugar content down. "Max has never liked plain water he says there's no flavour," she said. "I don't drink plain water either. I can only drink carbonated water or tea." Kelly, from Brighton, who runs her own cleaning business, explained: "Max will take little sips of water if he needs to, but he's always thirsty and says plain water doesn't quench his thirst." Max has to take a bottle of water to school as they are not allowed anything else, but Kelly isn't sure how much of it he actually drinks. "He's healthy and happy, so I have no concerns. He has a varied diet and keeps active. It isn't like he's drinking no liquids at all. The diluted apple juice is a middle ground which helps keep my concerns for his teeth a bay," she said. According to the research commissioned by hydration drink Más+ by Messi, which is promoting positive hydration to keep Brits on top of their game, 34 per cent of 13–17 year olds prefer other beverages to water, while 26 per cent 'forget' to consume it. Meanwhile, 29 per cent of grown-ups reckoned tea, coffee and fizzy drinks are just as good as water for staying hydrated. However, 17 per cent regularly suffer symptoms they reckon are caused by dehydration, including headaches or tiredness. Only 12 per cent actively track their water consumption, with 60 per cent not bothering whatsoever – and the rest attempting to keep mental notes on their intake. Sophie Van Ettinger, global VP Más+ by Messi, said: "It's alarming the number of people who are not aware they are dehydrated daily and will often go through days experiencing a lack of energy or headaches, not realising a simple glass of water or even a hydration drink is the solution." Leo Messi, co-founder for the drink, added: "As an athlete, I know the importance of hydration for peak performance."
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Ten benefits worth £12k pensioners can claim this month including free TV licence and council tax – are you missing out?
PENSIONERS can get access to 10 benefits and freebies that could save them a whopping £12,700 a year. They include everything from free TV licences and NHS prescriptions to benefits such as Pension Credit. Advertisement 1 Pensioners can potentially get a huge £12,700 worth of freebies and benefits Credit: Getty The Sun has put together a list all the things you could claim and how much you can save... Pension Credit - £3,900 a year This benefit is available for pensioners on lower earnings. Pension Credit becomes available whenever you are able to start claiming your pension. The amount you can get depends on how much you've earned and your income. Advertisement But the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) says the average amount given out is a huge £3,900 a year. Free TV licence - save £174.50 Everyone who watches live TV is expected to pay the licence fee annually. It currently comes to £174.50 a year. However, if you're over the age of 75 and claim Pension Credit, you won't have to pay. Advertisement You can also get a discount if you're visually impaired. How to Qualify for Free or Discounted Council Tax! Free prescriptions and eye tests - save £139.50 You won't need to be claiming Pension Credit to get free NHS prescriptions. Anyone over the age of 60 in England, Scotland or Wales can get their prescriptions for free. If you're buying your prescription regularly and using an annual prepayment certificate this can cost up to £114.50 - so you'll make a huge saving by getting your prescription for free. Advertisement Over-60s are also entitled to a free eye test every two years. This can save you £25 each time. All you need to do is book your appointment as normal and inform members of staff that you are eligible for a free test. Discounted broadband - save £142.92 People who claim Pension Credit are often eligible for cheaper broadband. Advertisement The cheapest plans available to pensioners cost just £14.99 a month, compared to the average cost of £26.90. Over a year, this means you could save a staggering £142.92. Winter Fuel Payment - up to £300 Millions of pensioners are set to get a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 this year. The payment is being made to those with an income of or below £35,000 this winter. Advertisement A person needs to have reached state pension age by September 21 to be eligible for a payment. People aged up to 80 will receive a payment worth £200 while those aged 81 or over will get £300. Attendance Allowance - up to £5,741 a year Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid out to people over state pension age who need someone to help look after them. To qualify for the benefit you must have a disability or illness that requires you to be looked after, and you must have needed help for at least six months. Advertisement It's paid at two different rates depending on how much help you need. You get a lower rate of £73.90 a week, or £3,843 a year, if you need help either in the day or at night. The higher rate of £110.40 a week, or £5,741 a year, is if you need help at both day and night. The payment is not affected by how much your income is. Advertisement Council tax reduction - save £2,171 Some pensioners can claim a discount on their council tax bills. But the amount of reduction you can get will depend on factors like your age, income, savings and the benefits you receive. You can usually claim for a council tax reduction if you receive benefits like Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and Carer's Allowance. Plus, those that receive the Guarantee part of Pension Credit may be exempt from paying council tax entirely. Advertisement If you receive Pension Credit, but not the Guarantee part, you may still be able to reduce your bill if you're on a low income and have less that £16,000 in savings. The average Band D Council Tax set by local authorities in England currently stands at £2,171 - so you could end up saving a huge amount. Free passports - save £94.50 Passports are offered for free by the Home Office to anyone born before September 2, 1929. That means most people who are eligible for the discount are in their late 90s. Advertisement But those who are can save £94.50. Cold Weather Payment - £25 Older people receiving Pension Credit can get Cold Weather Payments when temperatures drop. You'll get if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days. You will get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather. Advertisement If you're eligible you'll get the payments automatically. Discounted days out - save £37 Pensioners are entitled to special discounts on certain days out. The National Trust and English Heritage both offer discounts for seniors. If you've been a National Trust member for at least three consecutive years and you're aged 60 or over, this can get you 25% off your subscription. Advertisement It means you'll pay £72 rather than £96 a year, saving you £24. People aged 65 or over will pay £69 a year for English Heritage membership, versus £82 for most adults. That would save you £13 a year. You can also save on Interrail passes - which let you travel around Europe - by getting 10% off. Advertisement Cinemas and museums also offer cheaper tickets too. Since the amount that you save is dependent on the days out you prefer, the possibilities are endless.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Ten benefits worth £12k pensioners can claim this month including free TV licence and council tax – are you missing out?
PENSIONERS can get access to 10 benefits and freebies that could save them a whopping £12,700 a year. They include everything from free TV licences and NHS prescriptions to benefits such as Pension Credit. 1 The Sun has put together a list all the things you could claim and how much you can save... Pension Credit - £3,900 a year This benefit is available for pensioners on lower earnings. Pension Credit becomes available whenever you are able to start claiming your pension. The amount you can get depends on how much you've earned and your income. But the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) says the average amount given out is a huge £3,900 a year. Free TV licence - save £174.50 Everyone who watches live TV is expected to pay the licence fee annually. It currently comes to £174.50 a year. However, if you're over the age of 75 and claim Pension Credit, you won't have to pay. You can also get a discount if you're visually impaired. How to Qualify for Free or Discounted Council Tax! Free prescriptions and eye tests - save £139.50 You won't need to be claiming Pension Credit to get free NHS prescriptions. Anyone over the age of 60 in England, Scotland or Wales can get their prescriptions for free. If you're buying your prescription regularly and using an annual prepayment certificate this can cost up to £114.50 - so you'll make a huge saving by getting your prescription for free. Over-60s are also entitled to a free eye test every two years. This can save you £25 each time. All you need to do is book your appointment as normal and inform members of staff that you are eligible for a free test. Discounted broadband - save £142.92 People who claim Pension Credit are often eligible for cheaper broadband. The cheapest plans available to pensioners cost just £14.99 a month, compared to the average cost of £26.90. Over a year, this means you could save a staggering £142.92. Winter Fuel Payment - up to £300 Millions of pensioners are set to get a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 this year. The payment is being made to those with an income of or below £35,000 this winter. A person needs to have reached state pension age by September 21 to be eligible for a payment. People aged up to 80 will receive a payment worth £200 while those aged 81 or over will get £300. Attendance Allowance - up to £5,741 a year Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid out to people over state pension age who need someone to help look after them. To qualify for the benefit you must have a disability or illness that requires you to be looked after, and you must have needed help for at least six months. It's paid at two different rates depending on how much help you need. You get a lower rate of £73.90 a week, or £3,843 a year, if you need help either in the day or at night. The higher rate of £110.40 a week, or £5,741 a year, is if you need help at both day and night. The payment is not affected by how much your income is. Council tax reduction - save £2,171 Some pensioners can claim a discount on their council tax bills. But the amount of reduction you can get will depend on factors like your age, income, savings and the benefits you receive. You can usually claim for a council tax reduction if you receive benefits like Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and Carer's Allowance. Plus, those that receive the Guarantee part of Pension Credit may be exempt from paying council tax entirely. If you receive Pension Credit, but not the Guarantee part, you may still be able to reduce your bill if you're on a low income and have less that £16,000 in savings. The average Band D Council Tax set by local authorities in England currently stands at £2,171 - so you could end up saving a huge amount. Free passports - save £94.50 Passports are offered for free by the Home Office to anyone born before September 2, 1929. That means most people who are eligible for the discount are in their late 90s. But those who are can save £94.50. Cold Weather Payment - £25 Older people receiving Pension Credit can get Cold Weather Payments when temperatures drop. You'll get if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days. You will get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather. If you're eligible you'll get the payments automatically. Discounted days out - save £37 Pensioners are entitled to special discounts on certain days out. The National Trust and English Heritage both offer discounts for seniors. If you've been a National Trust member for at least three consecutive years and you're aged 60 or over, this can get you 25% off your subscription. It means you'll pay £72 rather than £96 a year, saving you £24. People aged 65 or over will pay £69 a year for English Heritage membership, versus £82 for most adults. That would save you £13 a year. You can also save on Interrail passes - which let you travel around Europe - by getting 10% off. Cinemas and museums also offer cheaper tickets too.
