Calls made for council to back Bronglais Hospital services

Powys County Times

16-06-2025

Campaigners opposing the loss of services at mid Wales' biggest hospital have received the backing of councillors.
Late last month, Hywel Dda University Health Board launched a public consultation, running to August 31, into potential changes in service provision across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire after classifying nine key services as 'critical', stating that urgent reorganisation is necessary.
The services identified are: critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, radiology, stroke, and urology.
There are no changes to how people access emergency care (A&E) or minor injury care.
It has raised concerns that some services at Bronglais could be downgraded, with including stroke services being downgraded to a 'treat and transfer' model.
A Notice of Motion by Cllr Alun Williams, heard at the June 12 meeting of Ceredigion County Council, said: 'Ysbyty Cyffredinol Bronglais may be on the northern periphery of the Hywel Dda Health Board area, but it is in a central position on the map of Wales and the only general hospital between Carmarthen and Bangor.
"It provides vital healthcare services for patients in Ceredigion, Powys and Meirionydd.
'Accessibility and local provision are fundamental to good healthcare and we will take a critical view of any proposals likely to lead to a loss of local services. We note that concerns have recently been raised about the potential reduction of services at the hospital by Hywel Dda University Health Board – this time concerning stroke services.
'To this end we support in principle the work of the Protect Bronglais Services local campaign group in its efforts to prevent any reduction of services at the hospital.
'Given that public transport links are already inadequate in this region, moving services away from Aberystwyth will make access to adequate hospital treatment even more difficult.'
The call by Cllr Williams asks that:
'Hywel Dda University Health Board acknowledges that the residents of Ceredigion and central Wales deserve as full and accessible a health service as all other residents within the Board's remit.'
'Hywel Dda University Health Board, and the Welsh Government, clarify their positions on the future of vital services at Bronglais in general and equity of access to healthcare for the population of central Wales, stroke services in particular.'
Speaking at the June 12 meeting, Cllr Williams, who had presented the notice on behalf of Cllr Gareth Davies, said concerns about the potential loss of services had led to the Protect Bronglais Services group being set up.
A public meeting attracted more than 200 people, with a further – larger – meeting due to take place in the great hall at Aberystwyth University's campus.
A petition to the Senedd has attracted more than 2,400 signatures since its recent launch.
'Bronglais is the only hospital between Carmarthen and Bangor and a broad swathe of land in central Wales," he added. "Bronglais is absolutely pivotal to the Welsh healthcare system.'
Cllr Eryl Evans, who seconded the motion, said: 'The stroke department has been recognised as one that gives very high standards of care, the service as it is perfect; it's completely unreasonable and a gross extra strain on the patients.'
Cllr Catrin MS Davies said a reduction in stroke services would be 'forcing residents to travel to Llanelli or Haverfordwest.'
Cllr Williams' motion was unanimously backed by councillors.
At the May meeting of the health board, Medical Director Mr Mark Henwood said: 'No decisions have been made on the options presented, and there are currently no preferred solutions.
"The changes we are looking to make are to ensure we have safe, high-quality services and affordable healthcare in the future, and have at their heart the best interests of the people of west Wales and their patient experience.'
The proposals will be further discussed at a future health board meeting, expect to be November of this year.