A Mid Wales MP has written to the UK government requesting more funding for Powys Teaching Health Board to help “preserve vital health services”.

Journeys to people’s nearest hospitals becoming “more treacherous”, patients being left in “already crowded” A&E units and ambulances being called to travel “long distances” were at the forefront of a letter by David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm-Tawe.

The Lib Dem MP has penned a letter to Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, calling for more funding to be allocated for healthcare spending to the Welsh Government.

The “urgent” request comes after Powys Health Board proposed changes to health services, plans that include the opening times at Minor Injury Units in Llandrindod Wells and Brecon cut and the downgrading of services available in Bronllys and Llanidloes hospitals which are to be designated as 'Ready to Go Home' units.

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In the letter, Mr Chadwick said: “The Welsh Labour Government has requested that Powys Teaching Health Board makes £22.9 million in spending cuts for its next annual budget. As a result of these cuts, vital local services in my constituency are at risk.

“Many constituents have written to me to express their deep concern with the proposed changes. For local people, these proposals would mean travelling longer distances to hospitals in other counties.

“We live in the biggest constituency in Wales. Our area often experiences poor weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. On occasions, the roads are closed, and these journeys become longer and more treacherous.

“Furtehrmore, it is difficult to see how these short term cost cutting decisions will improve outcomes in the NHS. They threaten to make matters worse and transfer costs elsewhere. Minor injuries can become serious injuries if not treated promptly.

“A&E services across Wales are already overhwlemed and these closures would lead to more people presenting themselves for treatment in a crowded A&E departments with lengthy waiting times or calling ambulances to travel long distances.”

Mr Chadwick also criticised the government’s use  Barnett formula, the method used to calculate devolved budgets by using the previous year's budget as a starting point.

He added: “The Barnett formula uses population size to determine funding.

“This overlooks the challenges associated with delivering healthcare across Wales, such as its rural geography, relatively elderly population and high levels of poverty. Brecon, Radnor and Cwm-Tawe’s needs are therefore not reflected in the Barnett formula. A solution requires a needs-based assessment of delivering healthcare.”

A consultation over the proposed changes is still ongoing, with Powys Teaching Health Board seeking views on the issue before Sunday, September 8. Anyone can find out more and provide feedback here.