A Powys councillor has proposed an alternative plan in response to Powys Teaching Health Board's proposed changes to hospitals in the county.

Plaid Cymru councillor Elwyn Vaughan, has suggested that Powys hospitals should be re-opening wards rather than closing at hospitals such as Llanidloes, in what he believes would “save millions” and “enhance services in our communities”.

The suggestion came from what Cllr Vaughan called a need to “rethink the approach” in Powys Teaching Health Board’s plan to help people get home from hospital quicker, by designating Bronllys and Llanidloes hospitals as 'Ready To Go Home' units, while Brecon and Newtown would be for patients who need more specialised inpatient rehabilitation.

Cllr Vaughan made the suggestion at a public meeting in Llanidloes on August 16, which was also attended by Montgomeryshire MP Steve Witherden and MS Russell George.

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He said: “I’m aware that Powys Teaching Health Board faces a £22.9m deficit this year and have been told by the Welsh Government to bring a plan that lowers that deficit.

“They also spend circa £12m a year paying health boards outside Powys to care for patients who are ready to go home but awaiting a care package.

“The lack of carers in Powys is clear to all, that has been exasperated since Brexit. It’s also well documented that our population is getting older, a factor which will be further exasperated in the coming years. It is imperative therefore that a long-term strategy is adopted.

“Hence rather than close the ward and services at Llanidloes hospital why not reopen wards that have been closed over the years, upgrade the facilities and develop a stepping stone facility, taking patients back from the large out of area hospitals thus nearer to families, saving millions in payments to other health authorities whilst enhancing services in our communities.

“We understand the huge pressure the health board is under but feel that this could be a positive suggestion and way forward which would gather the support of residents whilst assisting the board financially.

“It is also crystal clear that the funding formula for Wales needs to reviewed to properly reflect our needs, even Lord Barnett, who created the system said that in the 1970s and the Welsh and UK Labour Governments now need to work together in making this happen.

“There’s no point them putting pressure on the health board without also providing practical assistance to resolve the pressures on our public services.”